Rotorua, NZ — Former Warriors and Kiwis rugby league player Sione Faumuina, who faced his own mental health struggles after retiring from professional sports, is spearheading an impactful event aimed at raising awareness for Māori and Pasifika men’s mental health. The inaugural “League Legends” event is set to take place on October 12 at Puketawhero Park in Rotorua.
The event will feature twenty-one former NRL and Kiwi players, including notable figures like Ben Matulino, Dean Whare, Chase Stanley, and Kevin Locke. These players will compete in three matches to support mental health initiatives for Māori and Pasifika men, highlighting the importance of mental health awareness and support within these communities.
A Personal Journey and Commitment to Mental Health
Faumuina, who retired from professional rugby in 2009, has been open about his challenging transition from a high-earning athlete to working in various jobs including a bottle shop and mining. His struggles with mental health during this period led him to a path of self-discovery and purpose, particularly following the birth of his first daughter.
“I hit rock bottom when I retired,” Faumuina shared. “Going from making hundreds of thousands of dollars to earning $19 an hour was a tough transition. But becoming a father gave me a new direction and purpose.”
Now, Faumuina is channeling his experiences into helping others. His journey from professional sports to mental health advocacy has been fueled by his own challenges and his desire to give back to the community.
Event Highlights and Community Engagement
The “League Legends” event is not just about rugby; it’s also a platform to engage with the community on mental health issues. On October 11, the participating players will visit local Rotorua businesses with significant Māori and Pasifika male workforces to connect and raise awareness.
Faumuina emphasized the importance of addressing mental health openly, particularly for men who may feel stigmatized by discussing their struggles. “It’s okay to seek help,” he said. “Gone are the days when men felt embarrassed about talking about their feelings. Seeking professional help is a sign of strength.”
The event will be coached by former Kiwis league internationals David Fa’alogo and NRL premiership winner Roy Asotasi, and will feature a match against a Bay of Plenty invitational side. The game will be livestreamed to reach a broader audience.
Support and Future Plans
Local businesses, including Mills-Tui, a heavy transport manufacturer, are supporting the event. Dean Purves, managing director of Mills-Tui, highlighted the importance of mental health discussions in the workplace. “Talking about mental health issues should be encouraged, not seen as a weakness,” Purves said. “Events like this help normalize these conversations and support our community.”
Faumuina plans to make the “League Legends” event an annual occurrence, rotating it to different regions around New Zealand. With approximately 2000 free tickets to be released due to limited capacity, the event promises to make a significant impact both on and off the field.
The event aims to create a supportive environment for discussions about mental health and to foster connections within the community, emphasizing the critical need for mental health support and awareness.
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