Olympic Values Education program reaches over 762 students in Kokopo
Over 762 students from four schools in Kokopo participated in the Olympic Values Education Program [OVEP] from November 14 to 16, 2024.
Led by Team PNG HERO athletes, the initiative emphasized the Olympic values of Respect, Excellence, and Friendship, encouraging young people to incorporate these principles into their lives.
HERO athletes Rellie Kaputin, Kele Lessy, and Gantianna Joseph shared personal stories about their journey in sports and how their values guided them to inspire the students of Rabaul International School, Kalamanagunan Primary School, Kokopo Primary and Technical Secondary Schools.
Olympian Rellie Kaputin, a track and field athlete who holds the national record for jumps, multiple medal winner at the Pacific Games, and also represented PNG at the Commonwealth and the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, spoke about the importance of respecting oneself.
She highlighted how self-care, discipline, and balance have helped her excel in both sports and life.
Vice-captain of the PNG Men’s Touch Football team Kele Lessy focused on respect for others, illustrating how mutual respect within a team environment has been vital to his growth as an athlete.
Gantianna Joseph, a Karate athlete, and environmental advocate, discussed respect for the environment, emphasizing the role of youth in reducing plastic pollution under the Love Your Coast program.
The program culminated with a Touch Football Tournament at Kalamanagunan Primary School where 62 students participated.
The tournament celebrated teamwork and respect, providing a platform for students to apply the values they had learned.
Team PNG HERO athletes also took part in the event, exemplifying the principles they promoted throughout the program.
The Papua New Guinea Olympic Committee, Programs Coordinator, Mickey Tamarua praised the students’ enthusiasm and commitment, noting how the values of Respect, Excellence, and Friendship were evident in their actions both during the sessions and on the field.
The program’s success underscored the dedication of the East New Britain Provincial Government and the PNG Olympic Committee (PNGOC) to empower youth and foster environmental sustainability.
Alongside OVEP, the PNGOC’s Love Your Coast initiative advocates for plastic-free practices and clean coastlines, emphasizing the importance of protecting the environment.
Building on this success, discussions are underway to expand the program, reaching even more students in East New Britain in the coming years.
The Team PNG HERO Athlete Program empowers Papua New Guinea athletes to inspire positive change, through the delivery of the Olympic Values Education Program and Love Your Coast program, which fosters respect, and global citizenship, and continues to leave a lasting impact on communities nationwide.
Through programs like Love Your Coast, the PNGOC remains committed to promoting environmental sustainability encouraging future generations to create meaningful change, and contributing to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.