17/03/2009
Pass Indigenous South East Asia Tour
Pass Australia has taken 22 male school-based trainees in South East Queensland the opportunity to travel to China, Thailand and Hong Kong as a reward for 90% school attendance, reasonable (passing) grades, successful participation in a school-based traineeship, positive involvement in pre-tour leadership and mentoring activities, commitment to rugby union training and nil involvement in criminal activity. The trainees selected to participate in the tour were also required to attend monthly training sessions and to be available to play for Lloyd McDermott teams when selected.
The tour is going to coincide with the Hong Kong Sevens Tournament in April 2009 where the team will play in the School Boy 10’s Competition. The team will be delivering rugby-specific sports skill games to some local Chinese primary school children and will also be involved in cultural exchange activities.
The preparation for and experience of this tour are intended to provide the trainees with enhanced geographical awareness of the Australasian region as well a greater appreciation for regional, cultural, economical and historical relationships between Australia and Asian nations. The team members will be introduced to significant historical landmarks such as the River Kwai and the Great Wall of China. The trainees are expected to benefit substantially from the enriching opportunity of overseas travel: exposure to the beliefs and traditions of cultures far different from their own and interaction with peers from all over the world.