Northern Pride, through its Take Pride Program, will begin its latest Community Blitz later this week, visiting communities across Far North Queensland from 11 October to 3 November.

The annual blitz, which is now in its fifth year, sees the Pride visit remote communities and schools in the region, promoting junior rugby league, and delivering educational messages.

The visits include communities and schools in the Torres Strait, Northern Peninsula Area and Cape York Peninsula, and Mossman and Cairns locally.

For the first time, the blitz also joins forces with the National Rugby League (NRL), when the two organisations support the Torres Strait rugby league Zenadth Kes Cup carnival from 18-20 October.

NRL Chief Executive Officer Dave Smith will be a guest at the Zenadth Kes Cup, along with Queensland Rugby League Chief Executive Rob Moore and Northern Division Chairman Nigel Tillett. The blitz will also include QRL and NRL Game Development staff.

“The visits are aimed to further increase participation rates in the greatest game of all,” said Take Pride Program Manager Chey Bird.

“We will be holding rugby league clinics at schools and attending rugby league carnivals in the communities, but we will also be highlighting other important everyday activities for children, such as good nutrition, reading programs and supporting school attendance.

“It’s a real thrill for the kids when we visit, and we love travelling to the communities and putting some smiles on youngsters’ faces, as well as delivering important messages.

“This is always a fantastic opportunity for the Pride to engage with its grassroots fans in rugby league heartland, and show our thanks for their continued support.

“I’d like to thank our Take Pride Program sponsors, who make this really important program possible, plus the support of the QRL and NRL.”

The blitz will see the Pride visit Weipa during the Under 12 Peninsula trials, Bamaga during the Under 15 and Under 18 Cape York and Torres Strait Peninsula trials, as well as Kowanyama and NPA during their All Black carnivals.

The Take Pride Program is proudly supported by Sea Swift and Skytrans.