TWO Warrington primary schools have received an exciting visit from some very special guests.
Some of the stars of the Papua New Guinea Rugby League World Cup team delighted pupils at Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School and Bradshaw Primary School.
It comes as the team is based in the town during the current tournament, with the team keen to spread the word that PNG is open to visitors.
Stars of the Papua New Guinea Rugby League World Cup team delighted pupils at Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School and Bradshaw Primary School. Pictures: Mike Boden
Those who have flown over with the team to spread that message have praised Warrington’s warm welcome and said great things about the town.
Speaking to the Warrington Guardian, Simon Dari Pih, of the Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority, said: “Warrington is very nice indeed.
Stars of the Papua New Guinea Rugby League World Cup team delighted pupils at Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School and Bradshaw Primary School. Pictures: Mike Boden
“People have been very welcoming and friendly and open.
“Everyone is asking us about PNG, and when we travelled with a guy in traditional dress, everyone was asking him about the country and the World Cup.
“When we visited some local schools, the children were amazing and cheering and dancing, which was so much fun.”
Stars of the Papua New Guinea Rugby League World Cup team delighted pupils at Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School and Bradshaw Primary School. Pictures: Mike Boden
Simon says that while there ate many differences between Warrington and PNG, making it ideal as a holiday destination, there are many similarities, including both places’ passion for rugby league.
His office has been distributing brochures in libraries and other places they visit in the town as they we want to educate people about PNG, and inspire the next generation of people to come and visit.
Stars of the Papua New Guinea Rugby League World Cup team delighted pupils at Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School and Bradshaw Primary School. Pictures: Mike Boden
“The children we met will remember in 10 years’ time when people from PNG came into their school, and hopefully they decide to come and visit,” he added.
Pamela Hoepel-Aupae, also from the tourism authority, also praised the town. She said: “The similarities between PNG and Warrington are definitely the people and the hospitality.
“People here are warm and friendly towards us, as well as curious. It has been a lovely trip.”
Stars of the Papua New Guinea Rugby League World Cup team delighted pupils at Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School and Bradshaw Primary School. Pictures: Mike Boden
Bradshaw Primary School, which is located in Grappenhall, commented that pupils were ‘very lucky’ to be visited by members of the PNG team.
“We had a whole school assembly where we found out lots of information about PNG and the Rugby League World Cup,” a spokesman said.
“They then went around every class to answer any questions we had. We wished them lots of luck.”
Stars of the Papua New Guinea Rugby League World Cup team delighted pupils at Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School and Bradshaw Primary School. Pictures: Mike Boden
Whitecross-based Sacred Heart Primary added: “It was great to be visited by the PNG rugby league team.
“Year five will be cheering them on in the World Cup.”
For more information about visiting Papua New Guinea, visit papuanewguinea.travel
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