The Ablaze Hearts netball club will leave for Australia tomorrow to compete in an international club tournament, taking with them the memory of a leader who helped build the foundation for their success.
Club president and coach Filomena Korovulavula said the late Moape Vu Ravudolo, who passed away in 2021, played a key role in organising the club’s first overseas trip.
She said this new tour continues the plans he started.
“This was our plan from last year, also after Ravudolo passed I am just trying to continue from where he left off. We are fortunate to have support to make it happen again,” she said.
The club will take four teams to the competition hosted by the Pimpama United Netball Association in Brisbane and the Gold Coast.
They will join teams from South Africa, England and other countries in what is set to be a valuable learning experience.
“We have 60 girls going on this tour, from the under-13, under-15 and under-18 grades,” Korovulavula said.
“Some of these girls will be flying for the first time. I guess you can say that netball has given them a way to travel and see more of the world.”
The trip has been made possible in part through sponsorship from the Chinese Embassy, which donated $5000 towards the tour.
“We are fortunate to have them on board,” she said.
“Their support means a lot, and it shows how sports can bring people together.”
Parents will also travel alongside the girls, many of whom have been playing together for years under Korovulavula’s guidance.
She said the tour is not only about competing but also about giving the players confidence and inspiration for their future.
“This is good development for the young girls,” she said.
“They are really looking forward to this experience.”