The Nakoivalu Sunshine Netball Academy has expressed heartfelt thanks to the Ministry of Youth and Sports for their generous support, which has significantly enhanced the Academy’s efforts to empower youth through netball. On October 29, a meaningful handover ceremony was held at the Nasinu Multi-Purpose Court, where the Ministry presented essential training equipment to the Academy.
This event represents an important advancement for the Academy, which acts as a key training center for the Naitasiri South Netball Association. Unaisi Nakoivalu, the Academy’s founder and director, publicly acknowledged the contributions of the Ministry and Assistant Minister Aliki Bia, emphasizing their faith in the Academy’s mission. “We are deeply thankful to the Ministry of Youth and Sports and the Assistant Minister for their encouragement and belief in our mission,” Nakoivalu stated.
The Ministry’s support has revitalized the Academy’s commitment to nurturing talent and fostering unity through sport. Situated in the semi-rural district of Nasinu in Naitasiri, the Academy has gathered over 300 supporters and successfully enlisted more than 80 community members in its training programs. Their guiding motto, “Uniting Communities, Empowering Generations – One Pass at a Time,” encapsulates their dedication to cultivating athletes equipped with resilience, discipline, and leadership skills.
With this recent backing, the Academy is now poised to continue its training clinics, youth development sessions, and preparations for the upcoming Sydney Tour in 2026. This initiative complements other recent efforts in Fiji aimed at boosting grassroots netball involvement, exemplified by the formation of the Yasawa Netball Association, which creates opportunities for young women in the sport, and the revival of the Naitasiri South Netball Team in preparation for the Inter-District Competition.
The continuous investment in netball across various communities not only exemplifies a commitment to sports but also signifies a broader ambition to empower the next generation of athletes in Fiji, ensuring a promising and vibrant future for the sport throughout the nation.