The Suva Primary Schools Netball competition officially kicked off last Saturday at the National Netball Centre, marking an exciting new season for student athletes within the Suva association. Elenoa Vadei, president of the Suva Primary Schools Netball Association, reported a remarkable turnout this year, with 25 schools confirming their participation.
Vadei conveyed her enthusiasm for the tournament during the opening remarks, stating, “So far, looking good. We cannot underestimate any of the teams. All the teams have greatly improved in their competition compared to last year.” This year, several teams traditionally viewed as less competitive have demonstrated significant advancement in their gameplay, showcasing a thrilling increase in overall skill levels.
Among this year’s newcomers is Jagindra Primary School from Tacirua, which has entered two teams in the under-12 and under-14 categories. The defending champions, Stella Marist Primary School, remain a formidable contender, alongside notable teams such as St. Agnes, St. Marceline, St. Anne’s, and Dudley. Additionally, CMF College has made a return to the competition after a year away, further enhancing Team Suva’s lineup.
Vadei commended the dedication of the officials, who are teachers from the participating schools, for their tireless efforts in ensuring the smooth running of the tournament. “I salute them for the hard work that they are doing,” she remarked. This includes crucial responsibilities such as verifying player identities to maintain fair play across all age groups.
The competition is slated to continue over the next five weeks, culminating in elimination rounds during the sixth week, which will feature quarterfinals, semifinals, and finals. Following the tournament’s conclusion, the association will select teams to represent Suva at the national meet in Labasa, scheduled for week 14 of the school term. Each grade will enable Suva to field two teams for this prestigious event.
In appreciation of their support, Vadei expressed gratitude to ACT, the major sponsor of the competition, for their continued commitment over the past three years, which has helped make this flourishing event possible. As the tournament unfolds, the community eagerly anticipates a thrilling display of talent and sportsmanship from the young athletes.
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