Australian Consulate Rugby Be Me at YM&YWHA

Be Me Welcomed the Australian Consul-General

Play Rugby USA Arranged the Visit to the Y’s After School Program

Last week the Y’s Be Me: After School Program was treated to a visit by the Australian Government! That’s right, Nick Minchin, the Consul-General of Australia in New York stopped by the Y’s gymnasium to check out Be Me’s successful flag rugby program.

Given Australia’s affinity for rugby, Consul-General Minchin was interested to check out how the game has spread throughout the US. While he’d been to Play Rugby USA tournaments, he wanted the opportunity to see how after school programs were run, which brought him to the Y! Since September of 2015, Be Me has partnered with Play Rugby to provide weekly flag rugby instruction to 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders in our after school program.

After Mr. Minchin observed flag rugby practice — flag rugby is a contact-free version of the sport — the students had the chance to ask him questions. They asked about Australia’s government and what the Consul-General does in his job. They were particularly eager to learn about the types of animals that inhabit Australia and if our guest had ever seen a kangaroo.

We thank Mr. Minchin for visiting our rugby program and look forward to future visits!

Nick Minchin, the Consul-General of Australia in New York, stops by to observe Be Me's rugby practice with Play Rugby USA

About the Y
Established in 1917, the YM&YWHA of Washington Heights & Inwood (the Y) is Northern Manhattan’s premier Jewish community center — serving an ethnically and socio-economically diverse constituency — improving the quality of life for people of all ages through critical social services and innovative programs in health, wellness, education, and social justice, while promoting diversity and inclusion, and caring for those in need.

Share on Social or Email

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Email
Print