World Netball (WN) and Netball Australia (NA) are making strides to secure netball’s inclusion in the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games. A recent virtual meeting involving WN CEO Fiona Harold, NA CEO Stacey West, NA President Liz Ellis AO, and Brisbane 2032 CEO Cindy Hook focused on the feasibility and potential benefits of adding netball to the Olympic program.
During the meeting, Harold highlighted that WN has conducted an extensive feasibility study and has engaged with stakeholders to ensure that the bid aligns with the sport’s ongoing development. She remarked, “Netball’s inclusion in the Olympics would greatly enhance the Olympic movement and significantly contribute to World Netball’s core strategies.”
Stacey West underscored netball’s prominence in Australia, noting it as the leading sport among women and girls in the nation. “We want to play on the world’s biggest sporting stage at the Olympics in our home country, and we’re doing the work to see what’s possible,” she affirmed.
The push for Olympic inclusion coincides with a notable increase in netball’s popularity. This rising interest is exemplified by recent achievements, such as the Crest Fiji men’s netball team’s triumph in the Nations Cup in Singapore, which has led to enhanced opportunities for international competition. Netball Fiji President RubyAnn Sorovaki has indicated that the team will be participating in next year’s Men’s Nations Cup and a tournament in Australia.
As discussions continue with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the Australian Olympic Committee (AOC), both WN and NA remain steadfast in their mission to elevate netball onto a global stage. This initiative reflects not only the sport’s increasing significance but also its potential to inspire a new generation of players and fans around the world.
In light of these developments, the future looks promising for netball, with the possibility of showcasing the sport on one of the largest platforms available, thus further enriching its legacy and impact.
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