Netballers set for battle

ORGANISERS of the Grasshoppers Netball Festival continue to drive and motivate locals in improving their standard and knowledge of netball through a three-day competition next month.

The tournament was launched at the Holiday Inn in Suva on the weekend

Tourism Fiji events manager Luisa Finiasi officiated at the launch.

She acknowledges the organisers for providing such opportunity for the locals and for the development of the nation.

“I am here today representing Tourism Fiji to the Grasshoppers Netball Club breakfast fundraiser towards your outreach programs.

“We saw growth that this event has brought into Fiji since its inception and the potential to grow it more,” said Finiasi.

Founder and tournament organiser Alumeci Sachs said the breakfast fundraise in the weekend in order to support those who find it hard to reach the capital for the festival.

The organisers held a fundraising breakfast at the Holiday Inn in Suva, which was attended by more than 120 supporters to assist outer islands with netball skills training in December.

“Casey Kopua, a former Silver Fern player and captain and gold medallist for the 2019 World Netball Championship will be our tournament ambassador and special guest in December,” said Sachs.

Meanwhile participation of local interested players can increase because of the introduction of Kopua since she will be conducting a netball coaching clinic during one of the three-day netball event in Suva and it will increase the number of teams from 32-42 if interest of players to participate will peak.

The tournament will close with a gala dinner and awards night in Suva, which will be announced shortly.

“Our heartfelt thanks to Tourism Fiji as our major sponsor inclusive of other sponsors; Holiday Inn and The Fiji Times, Kulture Entertainment, Infinity Events Group and other organisations that we await to continue supporting us annually.”