Photo is a 'ripa' in Paris

INTERNATIONAL EXPOSURE: Photographer Jan Ravlich.

POSTER SHOT: Jan’s photograph that is promoting an international sporting event in Paris.

Relevant offers

Bay Chronicle

Site `where it all began' Travelling in old style Wilkie back to share ramblings Batman carries tribute A day in the Hokianga Compromise rules at Waitangi Day Help Bob get his operation Air Force joins celebrations Getting ahead with grants Templemans join grieving parents' campaign

PHOTOGRAPHER Jan Ravlich has had one of her pictures chosen by Ki-o-Rahi France to promote the world's first international ki-o-rahi sevens "ripa" tournament which will be staged in the Parisian suburb of Gif-sur-Yvette on October 2.

The Kerikeri resident is well known locally for her community photography and art gallery collections.

The tournament is being organised by European sports promoter Erick Acker who is in New Zealand to meet officials of four Northland teams entered in the tournament.

He will also talk with ki-o-rahi ambassador Buck Shelford who will be travelling overseas with the New Zealand squad that includes 11 players from the Far North.

"Jan's photograph has universal appeal, it depicts the sheer joy and excitement on the faces of children playing a game they love. We are grateful for her magic," Mr Acker says.

"I have organised huge sports tournaments in Europe for many years but ki-o-rahi is by far the most dynamic ball game and that is why I am organising the first international tournament. Ki-o-rahi has mass appeal and as a sports promoter I see it as the game of the future which will probably become an Olympic sport."

Mr Acker says teams in France and across Europe are passionate about the game and respect the Maori origins and protocols involved.

"I will be meeting with a few of the surviving 28th Maori Battalion soldiers to thank them on behalf of those who taught my countrymen how to play the game over 60 years ago."

Mrs Ravlich has been documenting traditional Maori games for the past five years and several of her photographs are also included in Ministry of Health publications to publicise their nationwide Rangatahi Tu Rangatira physical activity initiative.

"Maori games offer an amazing educative resource which are right on our doorstep. I like to encourage their use by photographing them so that I can promote them whenever I get the chance," she says.

The photograph the French organisers chose was taken at Tautoro Primary School during a Maori games tournament.

"I am mesmerised by children playing traditional games – I like to capture that special essence of fun, excitement and awe on their faces and in their movements."

The players leave for Europe on September 15 with games in England, France and Germany.

- Bay Chronicle