Moana Pasifika and the Pasifika Medical Association (PMA) Group were proud to host their first wellness workshop for students on Thursday 17 October 2024.
Students from Auckland’s Ōtāhuhu College, Tāmaki College and St Paul’s College heard some inspiring Pasifika athletes share their personal challenges that have tested their mental and physical health, while also providing insight to how they overcame them.
The guest speakers included Olympic Weightlifter David Liti, Paralympic swimmer Tupou Neiufi, New Zealand Warrior Bunty Afoa and Psychiatrist Dr Staverton Kautoke.
This is just one of many workshops to come with the objective to encourage participation in sport, while also educating and encouraging youth to live healthier and happier lives.
As a former NRL player and international representative, PMA Group Director of Sports, Leeson Ah Mau, says it was only when he became a professional athlete that he was provided with these resources.
That’s why he believes it’s important to educate young people early so they can get a head start.
“We want to provide students with wellbeing tips and tools that can be applied to their everyday life,” Ah Mau said.
“Having events like this gives young people the opportunity to dream big and a chance to hear tips and advice to overcome their own barriers.”
At two years old, Neiufi was hit by a speeding car which resulted in paralysis on the left side of her body.
A former Ōtāhuhu College student, she was told she wouldn’t be able to achieve much with a disability. Yet she has gone on to reach her goals, winning national titles and a gold medal at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics.
For former St Paul’s College student Afoa, it was an ACL injury he suffered two weeks out from the 2020 NRL season. It was difficult for him to accept after all the hard work he put in during the preseason.
Afoa says “using negative noise or times as fuel to drive you” helped him get through.
“Build your character, build your why and if you want to be something chase it,” Afoa said.
The athletes also shared ways that they look after their wellbeing. Liti enjoys going on road trips and highlighted the importance of taking care of yourself, and doing things that make you happy.
“There are many ways to be successful in this lifetime. Whatever it is, commit and trust yourself. I always like to say blow your kisses and not your opportunities,” Liti said.
One student from St Paul’s College said the workshop was valuable, especially learning about the importance of mental and physical health. He said it has inspired him to persevere through his own setbacks, as he strives to achieve goals in rugby and academics.
A few students from Ōtāhuhu College also shared their experience, saying that the discussion on making the most of their youth and living life was a key learning they took from the workshop.
Moana Pasifika is preparing for their second Wellness and Wellbeing workshop that will be available for community coaches and managers in November.
The next event on the community calendar is Moana Pasifika’s much anticipated netball festival on Saturday 19th October, with over 500 people set to take part.
ENDS
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