The netball community is in mourning after the passing of Wainikiti Bogidrau, a cherished administrator who significantly impacted the sport during her lifetime. Bogidrau passed away at the age of 56.

Beginning her career in netball administration over 20 years ago, Bogidrau was notably the President of Netball Fiji from 2010 to 2020 and served on the World Netball Board as the Director of the Oceania region since 2019. World Netball acknowledged her integral role in advancing the sport and building strong relationships within the netball community, describing her as a beloved figure who made many friends throughout her journey.

Tributes have flooded in from netball organizations worldwide, including those from New Zealand, South Africa, Wales, and Namibia. Each of these organizations highlighted the deep love Bogidrau had for netball and her energetic leadership style. Netball Fiji celebrated her dedication, noting how she campaigned for increased competition for the national team and was instrumental in launching the “Friends of Netball” initiative in 2010, which successfully raised funds for the team’s participation in international competitions.

RubyAnn Sorovaki, President of Netball Fiji, expressed heartfelt gratitude for Bogidrau’s contributions, stating that she would be dearly missed. Apart from her significant roles in netball, Bogidrau was also recognized for her involvement with the Fiji National Provident Fund, where her passion for community and family was evident.

The outpouring of grief highlights the profound impact Bogidrau had on those around her. Her legacy in netball will likely inspire future generations of players and administrators to uphold the values of dedication and community service she embodied. As the netball community reflects on this tragic loss, there is hope that Bogidrau’s spirit and passion will continue to resonate and positively influence the sport in the years to come.

In summary, Wainikiti Bogidrau’s contributions to netball were immense and will be remembered as a foundation for future growth within the sport, reminding us of the lasting influence one person can have in their community. Her dedication and enthusiasm for netball will ensure that her memory lives on among those she inspired.