The Nakoivalu Sunshine Netball Academy has expressed its deep gratitude to the Ministry of Youth and Sports for their timely support, which has bolstered its mission to empower the youth through netball. On October 29, a significant handover ceremony took place at the Nasinu Multi-Purpose Court, where the Ministry presented essential training equipment to the Academy.
This occasion marked a vital step forward for the Academy, which serves as a central training hub for the Naitasiri South Netball Association. Unaisi Nakoivalu, the Academy’s Founder and Director, publicly thanked the Ministry and Assistant Minister Aliki Bia for their unwavering belief in the Academy’s vision. “We are deeply thankful to the Ministry of Youth and Sports and the Assistant Minister for their encouragement and belief in our mission,” Nakoivalu remarked.
The support from the Ministry has invigorated the Academy’s commitment to empowering youth, nurturing talent, and fostering unity through sport. Located in the semi-rural district of Nasinu in Naitasiri, the Academy has already attracted over 300 followers and successfully recruited more than 80 community members for its training programs. Their motto, “Uniting Communities, Empowering Generations – One Pass at a Time,” reflects their dedication to developing athletes who demonstrate resilience, discipline, and leadership.
With the recent support, the Academy is now equipped to continue its training clinics, youth development sessions, and preparations for the upcoming Sydney Tour in 2026. This initiative aligns with other recent efforts in Fiji to enhance grassroots netball participation, as illustrated by the establishment of the Yasawa Netball Association that promotes opportunities for young women in the sport and the revitalization of the Naitasiri South Netball Team as they gear up for the Inter-District Competition.
The ongoing investment in netball across communities showcases not just a commitment to sports but also a broader ambition to empower the next generation of athletes in Fiji, ensuring a vibrant and hopeful future for the sport nationwide.