NETBALL SAMOA'S PRIMARY TOURNAMENT PROMOTES INCLUSIVITY AND GROWTH
Action shot: School kids during the Netball Tournament (Photo: Lars Gustaf Bell/ Eyespy Radio Samoa)
Today, amidst the vibrant atmosphere of Tuanaimato, young school children converged for the Primary Netball Tournament, marking the commencement of a two-day extravaganza dedicated to nurturing budding talent in Samoa's netball scene. Catering to children under the ages of 10, 12, and 14, this event serves as a testament to the growing inclusivity within the sport.
Notably, this year saw a significant milestone as the under 10 and under 12 divisions welcomed the participation of two boys on court at a time. This progressive step reflects a shift towards dismantling traditional gender norms and fostering an environment where netball is embraced by all, irrespective of gender. As Justine Wilson Ata, the Sports Development Manager for Netball Samoa, elucidated in an interview with Eyespy Radio, the initiative underscores the ethos of safeguarding in sport from a grassroots level.
"The initiative is safeguarding sport from a grassroots level," expressed Justine. "Teaching children that netball is for everyone, especially for boys. We're trying to get rid of the concept that it's for girls only. There's been a lot of growth."
Indeed, with eight primary schools vying for top honors in the Term One Team Up Farmer Joe Samoa Primary School Netball Tournament across four divisions, the event is poised to witness approximately 90 exhilarating games over the next two days. This surge in participation not only highlights the increasing popularity of netball but also underscores the dedication of both players and organizers in advancing the sport's reach.
Crucially, the tournament's success owes much to the steadfast support of sponsors like Farmer Joe, whose commitment to the cause has been unwavering. Over the past two years, Farmer Joe has not only lent their name to the tournament but has also contributed donations and provided refreshments, including nutritious fruits for the young athletes. This year, their continued partnership has culminated in a three-year deal with Netball Samoa, affirming their dedication to nurturing sporting talent within the community.
"We've got shields now, so it's a commitment to the community, with Farmer Joe's support for the next three years and probably longer when they see the growth," remarked Justine.
In addition to Farmer Joe's support, the tournament has also received a boost from Pure Pacific Water, who stepped in to provide water stations for the children, ensuring their hydration needs are met throughout the event. Furthermore, the backing of organizations like TeamUp, which funds sport development programs for the community, underscores the collaborative effort driving Samoa's netball aspirations.
Looking ahead, the vision for Samoa's netball landscape extends beyond this tournament, with aspirations to establish a national netball competition similar to the esteemed Champ of Champs. By providing a platform for primary schools from across Samoa to compete, such initiatives aim to elevate the sport to new heights while instilling values of teamwork, camaraderie, and inclusivity among the youth.
As the Primary Netball Tournament unfolds at Tuanaimato, it serves as a poignant reminder of the transformative power of sport in shaping young minds and fostering a sense of belonging. Through collective action and unwavering dedication, Netball Samoa and its partners are laying the foundation for a future where every child has the opportunity to thrive on the netball court, regardless of gender or background.
