By Jeremy Mogi – EM TV Sports, Port Moresby
Thirteen’s touch rugby is not as common, competitively as the smaller format of the game, rugby sevens, however its recent rise in popularity is a good sign.
The Gordon’s Police Barracks plays host to the Gordon Touch Association, a 14 club organisation that has had its fair share of ups and downs over the past two decades.
Organiser and long-time rugby league advocate, Walo Kere believes that sport can be used as a catalyst for social change, and the competition which ran through the festive period, engaged youths who would otherwise be involved in less-than-desirable activities.
Kere says, youths from the Barracks itself, along with the surrounding sections of Gordon’s, have all been brought together, allowing them to develop their character in a more positive way.
He speaks also of some of the former players who have passed through the competition. These have included the likes of Tuksi Karu, Stanley Haru, Akuila Emil and also current SP Hunters Coach, Michael Marum.
Kere feels also that the current crop of players do possess the talents and skills needed to create an impression in other forms of rugby, such as league and union, and is proud of the fact that three of his own players are now playing in the prestigious Digicel Cup competition.
https://youtube.com/watch?v=gn-WrvQGcgA%3Ffeature%3Doembed%26wmode%3Dopaque%26showinfo%3D0%26showsearch%3D0%26rel%3D0
