Netball Samoa part of special needs sports day

By Thomas Airey 29 November 2018, 12:00AM

The Samoan national netball team attended the Special Needs School (Inclusive Education) Sports Day at N.U.S. Gym yesterday.

Loto Taumafai School, Aoga Fiamalamalama, and Senese took part in the Ministry of Education, Sports and Culture (M.E.S.C.) programme.

Loto Taumafai sign language coordinator Vaiana Otto said the programme is very good and important for the children.

“Through sports they have to meet others and enjoy themselves, plus it’s another way of learning.

“Usually we have our sports days twice a year, hopefully M.E.S.C. keep the programme going.”

Romania Ng Lam Pose of Vaimoso is among the wider netball training squad that has been training for the Pacific Games next year.

She said it was an honour for her and her teammates to help the children with special needs yesterday.

“It’s important for us to know how they feel in their position.

“We’re trying to do some work with the community to make ourselves visible to our country.”

She said being at community events is key to lifting netball’s profile in Samoa.

The final squad for the Pacific Games is beginning to take shape, with a few players being cut recently.

“Training’s really hard right now, really intense,” Pose said.

“We’re having our final training camp in February in New Zealand.”

Pose is on a break from studying at U.S.P. in Fiji to train with the squad until January.

She received a Foundation Year Award scholarship from the Samoan Government for her academic excellence.

“It’s hard to balance both school and sports but I manage,” she said.

“There’s a lot of travelling, coming back here for trials.

“But having netball there to give me a break from school is actually really good.”

She is grateful to her sport and the national team.

“Netball has really given me exposure, and the opportunity to experience what it’s like to play overseas.”

She also has advice for anyone with goals for the future.

“If you wanna do something or get somewhere, hard work always gets you there.”

By Thomas Airey 29 November 2018, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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