Adelaide Thunderbirds star Maisie Nankivell will visit Papua New Guinea (PNG) later this month as part of a high-profile player visit.
Nankivell will deliver clinics to children and netballers designed to inspire the next generation of netballers.
Her visit is part of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) Team Up program, where Netball Australia has partnered with Netball PNG and WaterAid to deliver the Hamamas lo Pilai (HLP) and Come and Play programs. The programs are designed to teach life skills through netball to girls and boys.
Nankivell said she was looking forward to being part of the activities.
"I can't wait to visit and encourage participants to be the best they can be through netball. This visit is my way of giving back to the netball community, which has helped me be the person I am today," she said.
Lynette Maha, Executive Officer of Netball PNG, said this opportunity had taken months of planning and it was incredible to see it come to fruition.
"Our netball community will hear from Maisie Nankivell and learn about her netball journey. This visit with clinics and training sessions will bring much-needed inspiration that encourages more participation in netball," she said.
Nankivell's visit will also assist other crucial areas of Netball PNG programs.
Emerging coaches will learn more from Nankivell about how to promote and engage more people into netball as well as take part in the Pepe's (PNG's National netball team) training sessions.
BACKGROUND
The HLP is a school program for girls and boys to learn life skills through netball - the development of self-confidence, communication, leadership, and personal hygiene are critical objectives.
A shortened version of HLP is the Come and Play program, designed to include participants with a disability and delivered in partnership with WaterAid and Special Olympics PNG.
Team Up is a sport for development participation program initiated by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT). Improving physical health, social inclusion, and partnerships through netball is critical to the Team Up program.
