Former National Rugby League players James Segeyaro and Rod Griffin visited Efogi in Mt Koiari along the Kokoda trek in late October to launch the Strive 2 Thrive pilot program, an initiative that harnesses the unifying powers of sports to deliver vital health and education messages to remote communities.

The initiative, delivered in partnership with the NRL in PNG’s League Bilong Laif and supported by Australia is using sport as a tool to unite remote communities, foster lifelong habits that will lead to healthy and more equitable futures.

The three-day long program engaged elementary and primary school students who ran alongside the rugby stars in coaching clinics, gaining insights that went far beyond the game.

“ It was my first time on the Kokoda Track, so it was really inspiring to see the passion from the boys and girls for a game we all love, and to spot some emerging talent from the community. Learning rugby skills early on is crucial, because it teaches discipline and teamwork,” said Segeyaro.

For a grade six student Robin Barnabas, the visit was an inspiration to enter the under 19 competitions.
“I’ve watched their games online and I’ve only ever seen them online. It’s a completely different feeling seeing them in real life. Listening to their stories has inspired me to train hard,” said Robin