More than 3,000 netballers from 222 teams and 29 associations across the State battled it out for their respective titles at Netball WA’s Fuel to Go and Play Association Championships in September.
The Gold Industry Group (GIG)’s Gold Lounge was popular, with players and their families getting snapped in the gold photobooth and having their face or braids painted gold. A special #heartofgold merchandise pack was the hot ticket item to be won in the inflatable ‘Shoot Gold 4 Netball’ game.
As the Principal Partner of Netball WA, the GIG also provided each participating team with a bespoke #heartofgold medallion for their Most Valuable Player.
Many competitors travelled a long way to participate, including regional associations such as Karratha, Geraldton, Kalgoorlie, Albany and Esperance. This year’s event also featured the Aboriginal All Stars, competing for the first time with a 17U team and a 14U team, seven ‘No Limits’ teams, as well as two boys teams.
The event went beyond its host venue of the Gold Netball Centre, with the Opening Ceremony taking place at Perth’s RAC Arena, where association representatives joined the sea of green and gold for the biggest watch party in Netball WA’s history as West Coast Fever went head to head with the Adelaide Thunderbirds. To celebrate, a new Gold Fever merchandise line was launched.
Netball WA General Manager of Community Netball Liz Booth said the 2020 Fuel to Go & Play Association Championships was a great success.
“After such an unprecedented year for sport, it’s great to still be able to conduct these Championships for our participants around the State,” said Ms Booth.
“Congratulations to all the victorious associations and to all those who took part in a memorable three days of competition.
“A highlight on the Netball WA calendar, the Championships are a great opportunity for players, coaches, umpires and officials to develop their skills and benchmark themselves against other associations.
“A huge thank you must go to all our Netball WA staff who worked tirelessly to ensure a smooth competition even with all the external hurdles that this year has brought to our sport,” Ms Booth concluded.
Congratulations were well deserved of the Fremantle Netball Association for claiming the most wins in the Competition, with Division One in the 15U, 14U and 12U age groups. The Southern Districts Red Devils once again took the title for the No Limits competition, after an 11-goal win against Wanneroo Districts.
Vicki Chadwick, Don Leyland and Tanya O’Connor were also awarded the inaugural Netball WA Service to Sport Awards and Sarah Curnow from Esperance Netball Association was awarded her National B Umpiring Badge.
Also, hats off to the Kalamunda & Districts and Wanneroo Districts Netball Association for coming together to support boys in netball for the Championships, playing against each other in an exhibition game.
The GIG are proud to support the event for a second year running, thanks to gold members Gold Fields, Northern Star Resources Limited, Saracen Mineral Holdings, Newcrest Mining, St Barbara Limited, Newmont, AngloGold Ashanti Australia, Gold Road Resources, Ramelius Resources and The Perth Mint.
Visit Netball WA website for full 2020 Fuel to Go & Play Association Championships results.
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