The two-day Island Sports Academy Athletics competition participants has brought together children from across the National Capital District and Central Province.
This includes fifty-four participants from Papa Village in Hiri-Koiari District.
Established in 2024, Island Sports Academy continues to provide athletics, football, and taekwondo programs.
Island Sports Academy Director Vakai Lavette Jr. said the event highlighted the importance of investing in community sport.
“We have been running development programs for three years and this support has helped us deliver a more organized event. Previously, we relied on participant registrations, which made it challenging to cover operational costs such as venue hire and refreshments. Thanks to the Play for Unity grant, we’ve been able to provide a better experience for our athletes and families,” he said.
Their programs focus on fundamental development through sport while encouraging healthy lifestyles, teamwork, and community connection.
Athletes competed across six age divisions: Under 5, Under 7, Under 9, Under 11, Under 13 and Under 15, taking part in sprint races, long jump, shot put and throwing events designed to strengthen foundational athletic skills.
For the 185 young participants, the Island Sports Academy Athletics competition is about building confidence, developing fundamental movement skills, and discovering the joy of sport. The academy is a first-time recipient of Australia’s Pilai Long Stap Wantaim (Play for Unity) Fund.
The competition forms part of Island Sports Academy commitment to grassroots sport development, creating opportunities for children to learn, play and grow in a positive and inclusive environment. Following the success of the athletics competition, Island Sports Academy will deliver its next community program in Papa Village later this month before expanding activities to New Ireland Province ahead of the holiday season.
