![](fileadmin/templates/images/newsport-logo.png)
Snakes say 'stay in school' /Newsport
Thursday March 13 2014
Mossman Gorge students have been rewarded for improved school attendance with tickets to the final home game of the Cairns Taipans' NBL season.
The tickets were presented to 20 students by Taipans stars Cam Tragardh and Mitchell Young yesterday at a community 'meet and greet'.
Bamanga Bubu Ngadimunku [BBN] manage community services on behalf of the Mossman Gorge community.
The group's CEO, Peterson Opio said the short visit from the Snakes stars made a big difference.
"There were smiles from ear to ear," he said.
"The kids are really excited about going to the basketball on Friday. They loved it."
Improved school attendance is part of the Cape York welfare reform objectives the community has committed to, along with Aurukun, Coen and Hope Vale.
Mr Opio wouldn't divulge the children's school attendance records but said all students had 'exceeded expectations'.
He said the community had embraced the Taipans and benefited greatly from the Taipans recently appointed Indigenous Engagement Officer, Kerry Williams' regular visits.
"Having Kerry come up here and work extensively with the community on several occasions has lifted the profile of the club here," Mr Opio said.
"As positive role models, the Taipans can come and really push the importance of going to school and use sport as a vehicle to increase attendance and participation."
The students will catch the Taipans match against fellow playoff hopefuls, the Melbourne Tigers, this Friday night at the Cairns Convention Centre.