STRONG men chose respect was the pledge made yesterday by SP PNG Hunters head coach Paul Aiton as he committed the QRL Hostplus Cup franchise to driving and raising awareness against domestic violence across the country.
He told a media gathering at the Santos National Football Stadium that the Hunters will strive to be role models against all forms of violence, either on or off the field.
“We are a club with a responsibility, and all our actions are based on the pillars of faith, family and footy (in order of priority), guiding our games, our actions and our lives.
“As the coach, it is my responsibility to drive and set the standard in the Generation of Change campaign, driving the key message that there are no excuses for domestic violence,” he said.
Officially confirmed as campaign ambassador in the brewer’s battle against domestic violence, Aiton added: “This is why the PNG Hunters are proud to support SP Lager’s anti-violence campaign and use our partnership to drive real change.”
He said consequently, Saturday’s Hostplus Cup match between the Hunters and Ipswich Jets will be the SP Lager Anti-Violence Round where the locals will wear special jerseys adorned with the campaign’s messages.
In the Hunters’ camp, Aiton was quick to point out that while he wasn’t sure of each individual’s past, he had seen huge improvement in most of his players’ attitude and character.
“Aggression, on and off the field, has no place in the Hunters’ camp.
“Our aim is to create good young men, now and into the future … even when they leave football and return to their communities,” Aiton said.
He also acknowledged and thanked their sponsor for giving the Hunters the opportunity “to be part of the next generation of change”.
SP Brewery senior brand manager Kitione Amet said booths, banners and video messages would be set up and beamed across the stadium on Saturday with messages on ending domestic violence, responsible consumption of alcohol and the constitution of a society free from violence.
Amet said the campaign, for now, is centred around the PNG Hunters.
“This is a start, but there are opportunities to explore further and engage with local communities and grassroots organisations” in sustaining the “generation of change” message post-match.
Suggested areas for further assessment are the inclusion of survivors of domestic violence; follow up activities to ensure the conversation continues beyond Saturday’s fixture; and the possible expansion of the initiative to include other sports or leagues in Papua New Guinea.
