Goodman Fielder Fiji (GFF) has partnered with the Fiji Netball Association to sponsor the upcoming Fiji Secondary Schools Netball Championship, set to take place from August 21 to 23 at the National Netball Centre in Laucala, Suva. The event will be branded as the Crest Chicken Fiji Secondary School Netball Championship.
Vivian Koster, the CEO of Netball Fiji, expressed gratitude for this collaboration, highlighting its role in promoting netball among secondary school athletes. “This not only supports our school-based athletes but also fosters the growth of grassroots netball,” Koster stated. She also mentioned the existence of a 21-and-under squad preparing for the Netball World Youth Cup, which includes 17 students from secondary schools.
According to Koster, the championship will feature 132 teams competing across six grades, including a boys’ category. Each grade will consist of 22 teams, selected from the best participants across the country. The championship is expected to involve approximately 1,980 players.
Navitalai Naivalu, president of the Fiji Secondary Schools Netball Association (FSSNA), expressed appreciation for Goodman Fielder’s ongoing support for netball development in Fiji. He hopes for continued collaboration with GFF in the future and anticipates a successful competition this year.
Tim Carter, general manager of GFF, conveyed excitement about the company’s involvement in secondary netball. He highlighted the importance of grassroots development and noted the increasing participation of males in competitions. Carter praised the netball association’s efforts in Fiji and its commitment to enhancing the sport’s growth.
He reiterated GFF’s dedication to providing athletes in Fiji with quality, affordable, and healthy protein sources. Carter emphasized the sponsorship’s goal of empowering Netball Fiji to create opportunities for local talents, helping them reach their potential as future representatives in the sport.