Papakura Sea Eagles Rugby League Club
Keeping our Tamariki warm in Winter
Rise+Shine Josiah Mika Foundation
For the Papakura Sea Eagles Rugby League club, providing warm clothing for teams was more than a donation of gear. It was a reminder that Josiah, and his aiga are still, and will always be, part of the club whānau.
“Josiah was a really good footy player. He played with so much passion, and I loved watching him play” says Club Spokesperson, and Josiah’s old coach George Khoury.
“My son played alongside Josiah, and he (Josiah) was growing into a really talented player. He was a kind and caring kid, but when he had the ball… he was great.”
The Sea Eagles are as Papakura as you get. The club was formed in 1930 and since then has long been a key connecter for the South Auckland community.
“Our club culture is that of acceptance, welcoming, inclusion. We know that for many in our community, footy is their safe space and that’s the role we play at times. Even for young ones, playing footy is fun but it’s also something they really look forward to.”
The Rise+Shine Josiah Mika Foundation provided warm winter gear for two tamariki teams, and their coaches and managers. The gesture was received with love, according to Khoury.
“It was quite emotional, for us… because of the connection to Josiah and his family. This was his team and these kids have been together for a while. The hoodies also had Josiah’s name on them which was a nice reminder that he is always with us.”
Julie Wharewera-Mika on behalf of Rise+Shine Josiah Mika Foundation:
“The Papakura Sea Eagles Rugby League club is strongly connected to the local community personifying the value of whanaungatanga creating an environment where the whole whānau feels a sense of belonging. The Foundation has a longstanding relationship with the club and is committed to supporting participation, access and inclusion for tamariki and rangatahi in Papakura long-term.”