For the first time after 30 years Fiji will have a seat in the International Netball Federation (INF) Board.

This was after the appointment of Fiji Netball Association president Wainikiti Bogidrau to become the new Netball Oceania president. She takes up her position after the 2019 World Netball Cup and it will be for a four-year term.

Bogidrau is the first Fijian woman to head Oceania and also to be in the INF board. She takes over from Tina Browne of the Cook Islands. Browne will now have more time for her family and her career as a Member of Parliament, the INF stated in their release.

Speaking to SUNsports yesterday, FASANOC chief executive officer Lorraine Mar said it was a proud moment for them as she congratulated Bogidrau on her new appointment.

“We encourage national federation executives to take up such positions that involve decision making and impacts the region as a whole,” she said.

“Wainikiti is a true inspiration for other women to actually realise the important role they can play regardless of being involved in the administration side of sports or on the field.

“Also, it is a proud moment to see someone from Fiji for the first time to lead and be able to excel at that level.”

It is understood, Bogidrau is finishing off her second term as the FNA president at the end of the year and a new president will be elected to take over.

All countries within the region are encouraged to play and develop netball, but those who join both the regional federation and the INF, either as associate or full members, gain access to a wider range of support services.

The Oceania region currently has six full members – the Cook Islands, Fiji, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Tonga and Samoa. The two associate members are the Solomon Islands and Norfolk Island, while Niue is listed under ‘other netball nations.’ Australia is a full member of Netball Asia.

Edited by Naisa Koroi

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