THE Yasawa South netball team raised about $18,000 in order to take part at the Crest Fiji Primary School Netball Tournament, overcoming major logistical and financial challenges along the way.
The team is the furthest travelling contingent in this year’s competition, coming from Naviti Island and Waya Island in the Southern Yasawa group.
Team manager Litia Sauqaqa said they had players ranging from under-9 to under-14.
“Altogether, we have 67 players, 16 teachers, and about 71 parents and supporters,” she said.
Ms Sauqaqa said the fundraising effort was vital in making the trip possible, with strong backing from communities, sponsors, parents and schools.
“We were supported by Waya Island Resort, which assisted us with meals. In total, we raised more than $18,000.”
While speaking to this newspaper, she said, transport cost was one of their biggest hurdles, with the team travelling to Nadi before reaching Labasa.
She said travel costs from Nadi to Labasa alone exceeded $8000.
“We had support from South Sea Cruises. They provided concession rates for the players during their journey.”
Apart from travel cost, she said, limited training time together was another major challenge they faced because of distance and weather-dependent travel between islands.
“We rarely get to train together. Most of the bonding happens during the boat trips provided by South Sea Cruises.”
She said unlike other teams that were able to camp and prepare for weeks, Yasawa South players only got together upon arrival at the competition venue.
“The first time they truly play together is on day one of the tournament.”
The team departed on Thursday and took three days to reach Labasa, with staggered travel arrangements requiring some players to be accommodated in Nadi before continuing their journey.
They are currently based at Labasa Sangam College, where they have been allocated five rooms.
Despite all the challenges, she said the support from their communities, sponsors, parents and schools had made it possible for them to be here.
