Goodman Fielder Fiji (GFF) has partnered with the Fiji Netball Association to sponsor the upcoming Fiji Secondary Schools Netball Championship, scheduled for August 21 to 23 at the National Netball Centre in Laucala, Suva. The event will now be known as the Crest Chicken Fiji Secondary School Netball Championship.
Netball Fiji CEO Vivian Koster emphasized that this partnership is aimed at promoting netball at the secondary school level. “It not only supports our school-based athletes but also helps to grow grassroots netball,” Koster remarked. She noted that schools play a significant role in nurturing future Fiji Pearls, with a 21 and under squad currently preparing for the Netball World Youth Cup, which includes 17 secondary school students.
Koster announced that a total of 132 teams will compete in this year’s Crest Chicken Fiji Secondary School Netball Championship. “The tournament will feature six grades, including a boys’ grade,” she added. Each grade will consist of 22 teams selected from various rallies across the country, leading to approximately 1,980 players participating in the national championship.
FSSNA president Navitalai Naivalu expressed gratitude for GFF’s continued support for the development of netball in Fiji and hopes for further collaboration in the future. GFF General Manager Tim Carter shared enthusiasm about being involved with secondary netball, highlighting the importance of grassroots development.
“We see grassroots netball development as an opportunity to grow, and it is exciting to see more males participating in competitions,” Carter stated. He also reaffirmed GFF’s commitment to providing quality, affordable, and healthy protein sources for athletes in Fiji, emphasizing the potential of young talents in netball.
“The sponsorship aims to empower Netball Fiji to create a platform for local young sporting talents, helping them realize their potential as future representatives in netball,” Carter concluded.