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First ever Murri V Maoris at Wynnum
Brad Beetson (Arthur Beetson Foundation), Benaiah Bowie (2013 QLD Murri player), Kelly Shelford (QLD Maori President), Lord Mayor Graham Quirk, Teresa Anderson (2013 QLD Murri Player) and Adrian Carson (CEO Instute Urban Indigenous Health). Image supplied
by Troy Byers 13 June 2014
L
ord Mayor Graham Quirk, together with Arthur Beetson Foundation announce that the first ever Murri V Maori game will be held at Kougari oval, Wynnum. Tony Currie founder of the Murri Rugby League Carnival said the decision to play the first ever game at Wynnum came after much consideration and discussion with the Arthur Beetson Foundation and stakeholders. The Lord Mayor welcomed the popular all-Indigenous V Maori game to Wynnum and said playing host to the event was without doubt a city highlight on the sporting calendar. “What better way to recognise the great Arthur Beetson than to host a Murri V Maori rugby league event here in Wynnum to showcase Queensland’s finest Indigenous rugby league players and the future stars of NZ Maoris game,” Cr
Quirk said. “Artie’s contribution on and off the field will not be forgotten, and we are grateful to Arthur Beetson Foundation for getting behind this event that will bring thousands of visitors to our region from all over the state.” The major sponsor of the Deadly Choices Cup, and CEO of Institute for Urban Indigenous Health, Adrian Carson said the Murri Rugby League contributes significantly to good public and preventative health programs supporting Queensland’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population. “People from all over the state travel to participate in this event and all players and officials are required to undertake a ‘Health Check’ at their local Aboriginal Medical Service,” he said. The Murri V Maori is also underpinned by the Institute for Urban Indigenous Health’s Deadly Choices campaign where people are encouraged to make healthy
lifestyle choices. “These games honours Queensland rugby league greats, both male and female, past and present, and allows the next generation of talent to take to the field,” Mr Carson said. “Events such as this help us to encourage more Indigenous and Torres Strait Islander Queenslanders to get involved in physical activity.” The Murri V Maori game will be held at Kougari Oval Wynnum Saturday 18th October. It will have both Men & Women teams play against each other. NZ Maoris will play NRL players & did last year including Sam Rapiara, Bodine Thompson, Charlie Gubb, Kevin Locke. The Men’s team will tour Fiji after game & the Under 15’s will tour Papua New Guinea. The Murri V Maori is proudly sponsored by the Brisbane City Council, Deadly Choices, Inala Wangarra and the Arthur Beetson Foundation & supported by QRL.
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