The One Netball Samoa program has a particular focus on the empowerment of women, girls and fa'afafine and promotes education and skills that help create cohesive communities and new voices on the issues of gender equity, leadership and inclusion.
Formed under the umbrella of the Australian Government’s sport for development program Team Up , One Netball Samoa is a powerful collaboration of Netball Australia and Netball Samoa which also aims to increase participation, support improved health and education outcomes, and strengthen governance.
According to Netball Australia’s Executive General Manager of Community and Market Development, Melonie Lowe netball is a powerful force in creating community connections and providing a safe and inclusive environment to develop leadership skills, educate about physical literacy and have some fun.
“The impact of sport on physical and mental health is well known,” Ms Lowe said. “What this project also delivers is a comprehensive education program that provides critical life skills to Samoan women, girls and fa'afafine. Increased participation and stronger governance are also critical deliverables.”
On behalf of the President and Executive Board of Netball Samoa CEO Rosemarie Lome welcomed the partnership and said the program would continue to contribute to Samoan life in several critical ways.
“Our partnership with Netball Australia has produced many positive outcomes for our development programs at all levels and we look forward to a new chapter of this successful relationship.
“Netball has established itself as the most popular sport for women in Samoa and is also popular amongst fa'afafine communities - the sport provides a safe, inclusive and empowering space for these marginalised sub-groups,’’ Lome said.
‘’Women and girls have inequitable access to many freedoms in Samoa, including to quality physical activity opportunities and this partnership will help to address that problem.’’
One Netball Samoa activities begin with primary school-age children and extend to women over 35 who will benefit from specific initiatives of the SamoaNET program.
The two-year program is funded by contributions from Team Up, the Australian High Commission and Netball Australia and is a key element of Indo Pacific programs designed to use the power of sport to build relationships and collaboration between nations.
The program was officially launched on Thursday, 4 March 2021 at 10:00am (Samoa Time) at multi-purpose Gym, Tuanaimato.
