unified football

A total of 22 teams both male and female have registered for the competition which saw its first round held last weekend at the Sir John Guise Sport Precinct.

The variant of the global sport specifically for children with special needs has seven players in a side and play each way for 10 minutes.

The sport has its following from within and outside Port Moresby and has proven popular for children and their families.

Competition Manager Willie Vaira said competition is picking up well with a few technical issues that will be resolved as the competition progresses.

It was Vabukori’s goal scoring machine, Steven Abraham who played a key role scoring in the 1-0 semi-final win over Wardstrip Primary earlier in the day to book the first spot in the grand final.

Abraham then combined with Rei-Konio Morea to steer their side home to the win over Gabagaba.

18 year old Abraham finished with 13 goals for the 2017 season, winning him the Golden Boot award.

“I was really happy that I helped lead Vabukori go all the way and win the grand final, “said Abraham.

From six teams last year, there are now 14 teams turning up to play every weekend at the Sir John Guise Stadium in Port Moresby.

Level 2 Unified Football Coach for Special Olympics PNG, Willie Vaira, said teams include Cheshire Homes, Red Cross, Hanuabada Day Care, Wardstrip and Sogeri Primary.

“There’s a lot more interest this year from children and parents as well turning up every Saturday.

“Unified Football is all about bringing people with intellectual disabilities and able people together in sports.”

Level 2 Unified Football Coach for Special Olympics PNG, Willie Vaira, said the 7-a-side competition that started two weeks ago has seen an increase in 14 teams this season.

“The interest has built up from last year starting with just six teams playing 5-a-side football.

“We now have teams from Chesire Homes, Red Cross, Hanuabada Day Care, Wardstrip and Sogeri Primary turning up at the Sir John Guise Stadium every Saturday to play.

“Unified Football is all about bringing people with intellectual disabilities and able people together in sports.

GHD is celebrated on October 15 every year however, SOPNG chose to have the kids commemorate the Day during its unified football finals today.

The Day is an opportunity to design, test, and replicate creative ways to encourage people to wash their hands with soap at critical times.

It is dedicated to increasing awareness and understanding about the importance of handwashing with soap as an easy, effective, and affordable way to prevent diseases and save lives.

Today’s activity was hosted by Water Aid.