Netball Fiji plans ahead despite cancellation
Netball Fiji remains focused on preparing a formidable team to participate at the Netball World Youth Cup (NWYC) despite yesterday’s announcement by the International Netball Federations (INF) that the event will no longer take place in June 2021. This is due the ingoing COVID-19 pandemic.
“While we were looking forward to hosting the world here in 2021, we understand that COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the hosting of many events around the world and respect the decision that has been made,” Netball Fiji president RubyAnn Sorovaki said.
Sorovaki said the national body is also encouraged by Governments’ commitment to hosting this event at an appropriate time.
“This commitment continues to support the netball aspirations of our girls and young women,” Sorovaki explained.
In a statement released by the International Netball Federations yesterday, Minister for Youth and Sports, Praveen Kumar Bala said the Government have reconfirmed their commitment to hosting the event. “We remain committed to the sporting aspirations of girls and young women in Fiji and across the netball world.
“We look forward to hosting this event at an appropriate time when the world is a lot safer, international travel restrictions have eased and when all teams, and Fiji as your host nation, are certain of reaping a just return on their investment into the NWYC 2021.”
Bala said in the statement.
“With our major role for this Youth Cup being to prepare the Baby Pearls, Netball Fiji will now look at all avenues available to strengthen our team for when the NWYC does take place,” Sorovaki added.
New coach
“This includes but is not limited to working on a schedule to recruit our national coach by November. “Having ongoing talent identification to ensure we have a strong pool of athletes available for future selection, hosting more training camps with the focus on both on and off the court development.
“As well as planning with relevant stakeholders on other avenues of preparation,” Sorovaki added.