RTS helps kids realise boyhooddream
As a child, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck often imagined himself running in to a test arena alongside the Kiwis.
They were during his time at Mayfield Primary and Papatoetoe Intermediate Schools.
The hand he was always saw himself holding belonged to Benji Marshall, his boyhood hero.
That’s why Tuivasa-Sheck, Otara’s living rags-to-rugby league superstar story, is backing Walk Out With The World’s Best, the Rugby League World Cup campaign which will give children the chance to realise his dream.
But there is a catch.
Only children in classes that have signed up for the Rugby League World Cup Education Resource are eligible. Registrations close on July 7.
Tuivasa-Sheck identifies with Walk Out With The World’s Best.
‘‘This is something that connected with me ... the part where they asked if I would like to join a campaign giving kids the chance to run out with a player at the Rugby League World Cup.
‘‘For myself as a player, to run out with a kid and look down and see him looking up with shock on his face as he is about to run out onto the big stage ... that’s what I want to give to the kids.
‘‘I wish there were similar initiatives like this when I was at school. I dreamed of running out with the Kiwis. I saw myself holding Benji Marshall’s hand.
‘‘What an amazing opportunity this competition offers, to have the chance to walk out with us and the other teams playing in New Zealand during this year’s Rugby League World Cup.’’
The resource is a curriculum friendly classroom tool for primary and intermediate schools. It embraces mathematics, english, social sciences, art, health and physical education.
It’s theme is the men’s and women’s Rugby League World Cups and was developed with the backing of New Zealand Rugby League.
‘‘It’s simple for teachers across the country to register for the Rugby League World Cup 2017 Education Resource and put their class in with the chance to be part of something very special,’’ Tuivasa-Sheck says.
The New Zealand end of the four week tournament kicks off with the Kiwis playing Samoa at Mt Smart Stadium on October 28.
Samoa and Tonga clash in Hamilton on November 4.