The netball community in Fiji and beyond is mourning the loss of Wainikiti Naivalulevu Waqa Bogidrau, a prominent figure in the sport. Bogidrau, who served as the president of Oceania Netball and held the position of World Netball Regional Director, passed away on Tuesday at the age of 56.
In addition to her significant roles in netball administration, Bogidrau was a dedicated employee at the Fiji National Provident Fund (FNPF), where she worked as the acting General Manager of Human Resources. Her contributions to netball spanned over two decades, including her tenure as president of Netball Fiji from 2010 to 2020. In 2019, she was elected president of Oceania Netball and subsequently appointed to the World Netball Board, solidifying her impact on the sport at regional and global levels.
Condolences have been pouring in from family, friends, and various netball organizations worldwide, highlighting her inspirational leadership and passion for the game. World Netball praised Bogidrau’s influence on the sport, recognizing her dedication and the positive changes she brought to netball in Fiji and Oceania.
Former colleagues and members of the netball community spoke fondly of her legacy. Vasiti Vugakoto, a former president of the Suva Netball Association, noted that Bogidrau opened numerous opportunities for funding and was instrumental in securing Fiji as the host for the Netball World Youth Cup in 2021, although the event was ultimately canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Netball Fiji also expressed their gratitude for Bogidrau’s contributions, with President RubyAnn Sorovaki offering heartfelt condolences to her family. Tributes from other netball associations, including Netball South Africa, emphasized the deep loss felt by many who knew her.
Bogidrau’s funeral will take place next Friday, and she is survived by her daughter, who shares her name, symbolizing the continuation of her legacy in the sport.
This moment of loss reminds us of the profound impact individuals can have on their communities and the importance of celebrating the achievements of leaders like Bogidrau during their lifetimes. Her dedication to netball and her ability to inspire others will undoubtedly leave a lasting legacy in the sport.
In summary, Wainikiti Bogidrau’s passing is a significant loss to the netball community, but her contributions and leadership will live on in the memories of those she inspired.
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