THE under-15 Royale Rising Star team from the Nakoivalu Netball Academy has received a financial boost ahead of its international campaign in Christchurch, New Zealand later this month.
The Fijian Holding Unit Trust handed over cash sponsorship to the team today and also opened an investment account for the young netballers as they prepare to compete at the International Netball Festival from August 26-28.
The team comprises of students from Suva Grammar School, Mahatma Ghandi Memorial High School, Adi Cakobau School, St Joseph Secondary School and The Learning Centre School and Veiuto Primary School.
Speaking during the hand over event, Academy founder Unaisi Ranavue said the Christchurch trip was initially planned as a self-funded tour, with players who could fund their own travel given the first opportunity to be part of the squad.
“First options were given to those that can self-fund their trip,” Ranavue said.
The tournament will be the team’s first appearance at the festival, which celebrates its 50th Anniversary.
Parents and team executive then worked to raise funds and approach potential sponsors to support the tour.
The team has completed its strength and conditioning and core preparations and is now focused on court work ahead of the tournament.
The three-day festival will feature pool matches, followed by the finals.
For some of the players, the tournament will be their first opportunity to travel overseas and compete internationally.
Ranavue also said the sponsorship and investment account were an important step of supporting the players for their Christchurch campaign and beyond.
She also said the tour represented a major milestone for the players.
“We’ve been hearing about it. But we’ve never been part of it. So, this is a huge milestone for us to be part of the competition.”
