LeagueNews.co | Cooper McEnroe
The Storm Waka Program, which saw success in January, will be returning for the April school holidays, this time in the Hume region.
The program will be split into two weeks, catering to different age groups.
Week 1 will be for 12-14 year olds from April 7-9, while Week 2 will be for 15-17 year olds from April 16-18.
During the January program, 53 young participants between the ages of 10-18 were welcomed each day for three days at the Casey Warriors Rugby League Club.
The program included a Māori haka workshop conducted by local organisation Nga Matai Purua, a traditional Samoan song-learning session, meals provided by Pasifika catering organisations, and rugby league skills and games.
The goal of the Storm Waka Program is to provide a unique cultural and rugby league experience for young individuals.
Melbourne Storm Community Manager Troy Thompson expressed his excitement for the upcoming April program, stating, "It's a special experience that ties into the club's connection to the pacific community and the rich cultural and historical values that come with the Melbourne Storm brand."
Thompson emphasized the importance of including cultural elements within the program, saying, "It's a chance to experience something that might be new to young people and help them learn about different cultures.
It's also a chance to enjoy some good food and the game we love, rugby league."
Overall, the Storm Waka Program aims to provide a holistic experience for participants, combining cultural education, rugby league skills development, and community engagement.
By returning for the April school holidays in the Hume region, the program continues to offer opportunities for young individuals to learn, grow, and connect through the power of sport and culture.