PERFECT footy weather greeted close to 400 players, teachers and supporters at picturesque Palm Island for the Obe Geia Junior Challenge on Friday.
The challenge was established in 2009 and named in honour of Obe Geia Jr the first Palm Islander to play in the NRL.
Players aged 10-12 years old representing nine schools from mainland Townsville joined three local squads to play a total of 31 games over the day which saw great sportsmanship shown on the field, and a lot of laughs shared off it.
After the dust settled it was Marian Catholic School who held the coveted Obe Geia trophy aloft after their 20-4 victory over Kelso State School.
But winning on the day is secondary to strengthening interschool relationships, while giving local kids a chance to play some home games in front of their family and friends.
North Queensland Rugby League (NQRL) development officer Fiona Pelling said an important part of the carnival is that each player must earn their right to play.
“The kids get to play in the carnival by regularly attending classes and showing positive behaviour in class and on the playground,” she said.
Bwgcolman Community School Secondary senior co-ordinator Lynette Kim Singh said the day is also a great way to show what a beautiful place Palm Island is.
“There are a few negative ideas floating about what life on Palm is like, I think the day really showcases all the positives our community has to offer,” she said.
Lynette said it was also great to see more girls getting involved in the sport.
“In 2013 we had five girls in total playing at the carnival, now there are so many that we had to create an all-girls third local team.”
The 12 teams involved in the challenge included St Michael’s Catholic School; Bwgcolman Community School situated on Palm Island and a third local all-female squad consisting of members from both schools; The Cathedral School of St Anne and St James;; Rasmussen State School; Good Shepherd Catholic Community College; Marian Catholic School; St Joseph’s Catholic School, The Strand; Vincent State School, Magnetic Island State School and Heatley State School.
The challenge is a partnership between the Palm Island community and the North Queensland Cowboys with support from Dreamtime Training, Evolution Mining, NRL, Sealink and Bun Lek Solutions.
