Waitara Bears Cleaner and Meaner this season

26 March 2009

This Sunday the Waitara Bears Rugby League Club welcome in a new, healthier, cleaner era. The club will be leading the way by making all outdoor areas at the Waitara Sports Grounds smokefree from the start of this season.

Sunday, March 29th is the club’s first junior game day of the season, patrons will be asked not to smoke around the fields and clubrooms. Under the Smoke-free Environments Amendment Act 2003, smoking is already banned in all indoor areas.

Waitara Bears Club President George Rapana is proud of the club for bringing in the new policy. ”This initiative is an opportunity for the club to promote healthy messages to club members and role model positive behaviours to our kids and the community,” he said.

“We want our kids to see that smoking isn’t normal, or cool. It’s about adults setting a good example by not smoking around the kids.” The Premium Casing Services Waitara Premier Bears have taken on the challenge.

Bright green ‘Smokefree at all times’ signage has been put up around the club grounds, indicating the new smokefree areas. Patrons who wish to smoke will be directed to a designated smoking area away from spectators.

The new smokefree decision will reduce the impact of children seeing their adult role models as smokers. According to Taranaki DHB Health Promoter, Tamara Higgs: “This initiative is not about telling smokers not to smoke, but encouraging them not to smoke around others, especially our kids.”

Taranaki Rugby League General Manager Sash Stosic is thrilled with the support that the Waitara Bears have shown towards the shared TRL commitment to create a more positive image for rugby league. “The Waitara Bears have brought together a new, strong committee. They’ve really stepped up, not just taking on a smokefree policy but they are now one of the first clubs to also actively implement safer alcohol use polices during adult after match functions.”

In support of their new, pro-active approach, Waitara Bears will be hosting the Rugby League World Cup at their grounds on Sunday.

Media are invited to the Waitara Bears Rugby League Clubrooms, Princess Street,
Waitara on Sunday 29th from 10am.

For more information please contact:

George Rapana – Waitara Bears Club President on 021 046 7141 or
Taranaki DHB Health Promoter Tamara Higgs 753 7799

Last updated: Friday, March 27, 2009