"In the first public fan vote, Netball Waitākere were named winners of the Sky Sport NZ Moment of the Year after winning the first-ever U17 male division title. In an exciting new element, a male competition was run alongside their female counterparts at the Celebration Box Netball New ZealandU18 Champs in a dual-gender event, for the first time, in 2023" Netball New Zealand

The announcement was made following a public vote, highlighting the significance of Netball Waitākere's feat in capturing the imagination and support of fans nationwide. Their victory in the male division not only showcases their prowess on the court but also marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of netball as a sport for all genders.

The inclusion of the male competition provided a platform for aspiring male netballers to showcase their talent and passion for the game, further enriching the vibrant netball community in New Zealand. Netball Waitākere's triumph in the U17 male division epitomizes the spirit of determination, teamwork, and inclusivity that lies at the heart of netball.

Speaking on their historic win, Murray Gardiner, General Manager expressed gratitude for the recognition and emphasized the importance of promoting gender equality in sports. Murray credited the hard work and dedication of their players and head coach, Tony Ahchee, Manager, Pauline Williams-Cadore and the development and representative teams for paving the way for future generations of netballers, regardless of gender.

The Sky Sport Moment of the Year award is a testament to Netball Waitākere's exceptional achievement and the transformative impact of embracing diversity in sports. As the netball community celebrates this milestone, it looks forward to a future where inclusivity and equality continue to thrive both on and off the court.

Article added: Thursday 07 March 2024