Avaiki netball championship ends with Suvania crowned champions for the inaugural championship in both Division 1 and Division 2
The first-ever Avaiki Netball Challenge in Honiara came to an exciting close, with Suvania 1 and 2 emerging as champions in Divisions 1 and 2. Manugano 1 secured second-place in Division 2 while Ma’anu secured the commendable second spot in Division 1. The athletes were celebrated for their outstanding performances at a special awards event held at the Cowboy Bar and Grill. Delma Nori, the Interim President of the Avaiki Netball Association, expressed her enthusiasm about the championship’s significance for Rennell Bellona. She emphasized the dedication and passion that women and girls from the region have for netball. “This championship offered a unique platform for these players to showcase their skills and shine on a broader stage”, she said.
This event brought together 21 teams from Rennell Bellona, showcasing the growing enthusiasm for netball in the province. Nori highlighted the abundance of exceptional netball talent in Rennell Bellona and lamented that some of the best players had not been chosen to represent the country in regional matches including for the upcoming 2023 Games as part of the National team. However, she noted that the Avaiki Netball Challenge provides a vital opportunity to identify and select outstanding players who have the potential to represent the nation in the future. She expressed her desire to see these athletes represent their country in international competitions.
The Avaiki Netball Challenge is seen as a way to discover and nurture skilled players for future national representation. Nori’s vision is to help these emerging talents rise to the occasion and proudly compete for their country on the global stage.
