On the second day of the Crest Fiji Secondary Schools Netball Championship, tournament coordinator Josua Qalo is urging parents, fans, alumni, and supporters to turn out in strong numbers. He describes the event as Fiji’s biggest netball spectacle, the culmination of all divisional competitions held throughout the year. Players have put in weeks of preparation, with most schools training for more than two months, and today marks the final round of pool games across all grades. The championship is being staged at the LICI Multipurpose Court and the National Netball Centre in Suva, with the event set to wrap up on Friday.
This championship sits within a broader, thriving netball ecosystem in Fiji. It complements other grassroots efforts that showcase the country’s depth of talent. For example, more than 100 teams from 25 districts participated in the Crest Fiji Primary School Netball Finals at Lawaqa Park in Sigatoka, illustrating a strong pipeline of young players feeding into the national scene. Sponsorship from Goodman Fielder has continued to bolster these grassroots competitions, underscoring the community and corporate support that helps develop netball from the ground up.
Historically, Fiji’s national netball events draw substantial participation and interest. Past finals have involved hundreds of teams from dozens of schools across multiple zones, highlighting a robust, nationwide enthusiasm for the sport. The activity isn’t limited to the national finals; regional leagues like the Suva Netball Association Club League are expanding, with innovations such as new tactics and specialized formats designed to raise fitness levels and competitive readiness among teams, including the engagement of primary schools in the club scene. This growth reflects a strong commitment to nurturing talent, teamwork, and the sport’s profile across Fiji.
The Crest Fiji Secondary Schools Netball Championship is more than a contest; it’s a community-building platform that feeds the talent pipeline, supports coaches and teachers, and provides aspiring athletes with valuable exposure and development opportunities. As families, schools, and supporters rally behind the players, the event offers hope and inspiration for Fiji’s future in netball, with the potential for players to progress to higher levels of competition and, possibly, national representation.
In short, day two promises continued competitive action and displays of skill, with the finals still on the horizon. The emphasis remains on dedication, teamwork, and the joy of sport, as Fiji’s next generation of netball talent takes center stage.
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