My netball dream is...
Otaua Sports Club is situated in a small valley in the south of the Hokianga.The buildings and courts were formerly known as the Otaua Maori School. Sadly the doors closed in 1968.In 1978 it was reopened as a sports club and later Incorporated in 1993.
In the first 20-30 years of becoming a sports club, Otaua has been known for hosting some of the biggest and memorable tournaments in the region. Over the years, sadly as it happens in other small communities, the people and commitment for holding such tournaments slowly declines to the point they are no longer.
Years go on and the success to rally a team together just to play netball is a constant struggle. Finding those that are committed with positive attitude and willing to give up their time to help break a negative mindset that has been set among us for many years is hard to find. With that the use and maintenance of our courts are neglected. So when we finally did get a team, we were faced with usable but unsafe court surfaces to practice on and no potential to host tournaments.
2016 we formed a netball team that gave its all and worked with what we had. We graded at the bottom of A reserve at the start of the season to becoming finalist in A grade of the Bay of Islands netball competition.Through the season we participated in netball tournaments around the region doing surprisingly well, even taking the win at one. With this successful season the confidence and drive for the game and girls themselves was massive. Also showing how important sports is, bringing people together and working together to get results.
Over the three years there has been that goal and passion to host our tournament again, So we can repay the workload and favor to our competitors and host. And just to bring sports back to life in our valley.
The help of ANZ towards repairing our courts will bring us one step closer to our goal and rejuvenate what once was. This wont only help us as a small valley but also our neighboring small valleys that face the same struggle with numbers and close access to safe courts.Just to be heard and acknowledged would be some progress and give our girls that extra boost to keep pushing and not give up.
"Small progress can create great success"
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