The Fijian Netball Association will host seven international and two local teams in the Digicel/Punjas International Netball Schools Challenge from Tuesday to Saturday at the Vodafone Arena in Suva.

Association’s president Wainikiti Bogidrau said the event is a build-up to Fiji’s hosting of the Netball World Youth Cup in 2021.

“This is the first time Fiji is hosting the event and we will have nine teams participating; one from South Africa, two from Australia, four from New Zealand and two local teams.

“This event is part of the build-up to Fiji’s hosting of the Netball World Youth Cup in 2021 as we continue to promote Government’s sports tourism initiative. The event will provides us with the opportunity to build our workforce in hosting international events.”

Bogidrau received $39,000 from Government to assist them finance the event.

“We would also like to acknowledge the $39k Government grant we received from the Fijian National Sports Commission and the funding will help finance this event which would cost around $80k,” she added.

Meanwhile, Minister for Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation, Mereseini Vuniwaqa, will officially open the tournament on Tuesday at 8.30am.

Teams: 1. Aotearoa Maori, 2. Fijian Under-19, 3. Indigenous Australia- Budgies, 4. Fijiana FANZ, 5. School Sports Australia – SS Australia, 6. Fijian Secondary Schools – FSS, 7. South Africa Schools – SASN, 8. Auckland Samoa, 9. Auckland Tonga.

Edited by Osea Bola

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