CREST Chicken officially signed on as the major sponsor of Netball Fiji in a partnership aimed at strengthening the sport from grassroots to the elite level.
The sponsorship agreement, signed in Suva on Friday between Goodman Fielder and Netball Fiji, will see the Fiji Pearls wear the Crest Chicken logo for the first time during their Australian tour for the Spirit Series in Sydney next week.
Netball Fiji chair Vasiti Vugakoto praised Goodman Fielder for standing by the organisation despite the challenging economic climate, saying the company’s commitment demonstrated genuine belief in women’s sport.
“We know businesses are facing increasing pressure with the rising cost of living and economic challenges, so we were nervous after the national budget announcement,” Vugakoto said.
“But Goodman Fielder continued to call us and said, ‘We are still here for you.’ That gave us confidence and showed the faith they have in our Pearls and in the future of Fiji netball.”
She said the partnership completed the pathway Goodman Fielder had already helped establish through its support of primary and secondary school netball, now extending to the national team.
“This is the first tour where our girls will proudly wear the Crest logo, and we believe this is just the beginning of even bigger things.”
Vugakoto added that the sponsorship would also promote healthy lifestyles, with Goodman Fielder products supporting the Pearls’ nutrition programme as they prepare for international competition.
Goodman Fielder Fiji general manager Tim Carter said supporting the Fiji Pearls aligned with the company’s vision of investing in communities and helping young Fijians reach their full potential.
“We’re proud of our heritage and proud to be Fiji’s most recognised chicken brand, and we want Fiji Netball to become just as recognised—not only in Fiji but on the global stage,” Carter said.
He said the company was committed to supporting netball at every level, from junior schools through to the national team.
“Not everyone will become a Fiji Pearl, but sport builds confidence, discipline and leadership that young people can take into their communities and workplaces.”
Carter said he hoped the partnership would help raise the profile of the Fiji Pearls while inspiring more young girls to pursue the sport.
“We want these girls to become household names.”
