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 branded as the Crest Chicken Fiji Secondary School Netball Championship.
Vivian Koster, CEO of Netball Fiji, expressed gratitude for the partnership, emphasizing its importance in promoting netball at the secondary school level. “This support not only benefits our school-based athletes but also fosters the growth of grassroots netball,” Koster stated. She highlighted that schools play a vital role in nurturing future players, mentioning that a 21 and under squad is currently preparing for the Netball World Youth Cup, which includes 17 secondary school students.
This year’s championship will feature 132 teams competing across six grades, including a boys’ category. Each grade will consist of 22 teams, selected from the top performers across the country, totaling approximately 1,980 players participating in the national championship.
FSSNA president Navitalai Naivalu expressed appreciation for Goodman Fielder’s ongoing support in developing netball in Fiji and hopes for continued collaboration in the future for a successful competition.
Tim Carter, general manager of GFF, shared excitement about being involved in secondary netball, viewing grassroots development as an opportunity for growth and noting the increasing participation of males in competitions. He praised the netball association’s efforts and passion for advancing the sport.
Carter reaffirmed GFF’s commitment to providing quality, affordable, and healthy protein sources for athletes in Fiji, emphasizing the aim to empower Netball Fiji in creating a platform for local young talents to reach their potential as future representatives in the sport.