Four nations will take part in this year’s annual Queensland Pacific Island Cultural Carnival which kicks off at Beenleigh’s Bill Norris Oval today.
Teams representing Samoa, the Cook Islands, Tonga and Papua New Guinea Queensland Kokomos will play across the open men’s, open women’s, Under 18 Boys, Under 16 Boys, Under 16 Girls and Under 14 Boys age groups in a number of pool matches across the three days of the tournament (October 25 to October 27).
In an exciting new development, junior players from these nations will also have the opportunity to show off their skills, with Under 12 Development, Under 12 Experienced, Under 10 and Under 8 teams taking part in some League Stars matches.
League Stars is the game’s new short-term introductory program for children aged 5-12, is aimed at exposing more players to rugby league through regular non-contact skills sessions.
These junior matches will all be held on Saturday.
As well as showcasing some fantastic football, as always there will be a major focus on culture and community.
Each of the older age matches will feature a pre-game challenge, while there will also be other opportunities to showcase dances and songs from each nation.
The popular market place will also be operation across Saturday and Sunday, with island food (including desserts) and island wear available for purchase at various stalls.
The event is sanctioned by the Queensland Rugby League and support for the tournament has been provided in the form of referees and judiciary members.
Overall, the carnival aims to strengthen and celebrate ancestral knowledge by enhancing cultural customs and enriching the identity of participants as representatives of Queensland Rugby League.
Full draw (including Sunday finals) can be downloaded here - QPICC draw 2019.
More information can be found at the QPICC website.
The cost for entry each day is $5, with children under the age of 14 able to enter for free.
