Organised by the St Marys Sport Club (SMSC), this year’s Saints Super 4 Netball National Championship promises to be next level with special guest Sulu Fitzpatrick joining the festivities in August as the tournament Ambassador.
A double International for New Zealand in both netball and rugby sevens, Fitzpatrick is also of proud Samoan heritage. In 2022 she was named one of 25 best players to feature in netball leagues in New Zealand since 1998.
She plays for the Northern Mystics in the ANZ Championships and can play the Goal Keeper, Goal Defence and Wing Defence positions.
“Sulu Fitzpatrick, the renowned Silver Ferns wholeheartedly supports the Saints Super 4 netball tournament as its Ambassador,” says Visceta Meredit, President of the SMSC. “Her presence and enthusiasm at the tournament will undoubtedly inspire and uplift both players and fans alike.”
The Saints Super 4 Netball National Championships 2023 was launched last week Tuesday 11th July at the Taumeasina Island Resort.
Now in its third year, the competition will once again bring together the best amongst female netball players from Samoa’s National Netball League in an exciting competition that focuses on developing the sport under the overarching themes of unity, partnership and fair play in netball.
“The comp slogan of “STRENGTH IN UNITY” reflects this harmony,” says the SMSC President.
“This competiton highlights the importance of being innovative and giving back to the netball communities through the development of not only the sport itself but most importantly, the young up and coming players”.
Herself a business owner and active member of the St Mary’s College alumni, Mrs Meredith says ‘strength in unity’ is the guiding principle that can further build and strengthen inter-club relationships and unity amongst national clubs and players.
“It would also provide a platform to support growth of Samoa’s local netball players, and showcase this talent for national selection,” adds Meredith.
Coaches and players of the four teams are identified and selected out of the six teams that competed in the 2023 Samoa National Netball League Tournament. The four teams are named after the house titles and colors of St Mary’s College.
The coach for team Avila (yellow) is Henry Tunupopo, while his assistant coach is Jordan Lameta. Coaching Orleans (blue) is Monalisa Tofilau, assisted by Justin Lima. The coach for team Aquinas (red) is Darryl Feagaimalii, with Tafaoga Tavae as assistant. For team De Porres (green) the coach is Ngaire Ah Ching, assisted by Savea Fiti Tausisi.
In 2021, Aquinas took out the inaugural championship under Head Coach Tafaoga Tavae. Last year De Porres rose to the top as national champs under Head Coach Henry Tunupopo.
The coaches will now lead their teams in preparation and training for the national championship set to run from this August 17 – 19 at the Tuanaimato Multipurpose Gymnasium.
This year’s cimpetition will be led by Ms Seraphine Mataia as Tournament Director. Ms Mataia is also the Vice President of SMSC.
The President, TD and St Mary’s Sports Club acknowledge and thank the sponsors who have stepped up to support this year’s event.
