Pāpāmoa Bulldogs club captain and life member Johnny Kelly, left, with club chairman and player Anthone Sims and photo of team mate Tere Livingstone, who died last year. Photo / John Borren
Pāpāmoa Bulldogs club captain and life member Johnny Kelly, left, with club chairman and player Anthone Sims and photo of team mate Tere Livingstone, who died last year. Photo / John Borren
One year on from the loss of team mate Tere Livingstone – known as Ted – the Pāpāmoa Bulldogs are hosting a rugby league festival to share the game they love and raise concussion awareness.
Next Saturday Gordon Spratt Reserve will be a hub of sports, with the club running three senior rugby league games. The match balls and a karakia will be presented by Livingstone’s whānau at 12.50pm, before kick-off at 1pm.
“We want to celebrate his [Livingstone’s] legacy and also sport in this community,” Pāpāmoa Bulldogs club chairman and rugby league player Anthone Sims, said.
A tough year
On June 10 last year Livingstone was critically injured while playing for Pāpāmoa Bulldogs during a shield rugby league competition at Tauranga’s Mitchell Park.
Sims said one of his main hopes for the festival was to promote rugby league as a community sport.
“It’s not always a bad sport. There’s always a lot of manaaki/support and whakawhānautanga/building connections included, too.
“We’re trying to get more people down to come watch and support the game in general.”
Pāpāmoa Bulldogs club captain Johnny Kelly, left, and club chairman Anthone Sims hold a photo of team mate Tere Livingstone, who died last year. Photo / John Borren
At 1pm on Saturday, Pāpāmoa Bulldogs will play Forestland Falcons, and cousin-like club The Tauranga Whalers will play Tauhara te Maunga.
Then at 2.30pm, in the premier grade, Mangakino Hawks and Forestland Falcons will battle it out.
“New Zealand Rugby League will also be present to help facilitate the day, so it should be a good opportunity for all people to get involved.”
Concussion awareness
The event will also raise awareness about concussion, Sims said.
He believed the best way to reduce concussion harm was by players having body awareness on the field.
“The main issue is trying to teach the right technique, but sometimes it just happens when there’s a lot of close contact or friendly fire.”
Sims said Livingstone’s passing was “definitely a wake-up call” in the rugby league community.
Tere Livingston was critically injured while playing for Pāpāmoa Bulldogs last year. He is pictured with his partner Chloe and their son Nīkora. Photo / Supplied
“Each game is video recorded since Ted because it gives insurance on any issues that can occur, just so there’s video proof behind everything.
“There’s been a shift in knowledge because you also make the players aware, not just the managers. Clubs receive a booklet that gets handed out now so more people are aware of what the signs of concussion are and how to treat it. In saying that, we have more first aid on the sideline as well.”
Fundraising
The festival will also feature food stalls, fundraising, raffles and apparel to give support to Livingstone’s family.
“We are really fortunate that Ted’s family are supportive of us and happy to be a part of the weekend too. We have some great volunteers in the club as well, helping with the day.”
Pāpāmoa Rugby Club and Pāpāmoa Football will also be playing games.
