Netballers come from across the globe to snare grand final victory
A GROUP of netballers from Geelong’s diverse refugee communities celebrated World Refugee Day with a one-goal win in the Corio Netball Association’s Wednesday night competition grand final.
The netballers play as part of Diversitat’s netball program, which uses the sport as a means for girls from refugee backgrounds to develop confidence, teamwork skills, friendships as well as a healthy interest in the popular sport.
The Diversitat 1 team comprises players aged 11-16, from Afghanistan, Myanmar and Rwanda.
Star player Gay Nay Moo was runner-up in the bestand-fairest for the competition after a string of strong performances.
Diversitat’s netball program fields two teams from different age groups in the Corio Netball Association, and works with Netball Victoria’s Net Set Go program to introduce girls from refugee backgrounds to the sport.
Cindy Marshall, its settlement and community support services volunteer coordinator, said Diversitat was proud of the achievements of its young netballers.
“For many of these players, getting out on court is an important part of forming their lives and developing supportive communities around them in Geelong,” Marshall said.
“The biggest benefits of the program come from the selfesteem, the friendships, the lessons and the positive memories that come from playing netball. This team has had a great season and the grand final victory will be a memory that our players will treasure.
“It is a sign of how far these players have come in such a short time learning the game.”