Netball Western Australia has added its support to Netball Australia’s bid to have netball played on the world’s biggest stage – the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games.
Netball WA CEO Simone Hansen said the prospect of having netball showcased at Olympic level was very exciting for the sport right across the nation.
“It is fantastic to hear that Netball Australia will be working closely with World Netball, the Australian Olympic Committee and the International Olympic Committee leading up to the 2032 Olympic Games,” Hansen said.
“I echo Netball Australia CEO Kelly Ryan’s comments that netball deserves to be played on the biggest stage.”
“I have also watched the achievements of Australian athletes at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games and agree that our junior netballers should have the opportunity pursue Olympic glory playing the sport they love,” she said.
Netball Australia CEO Kelly Ryan said netball deserved to compete under the five famous rings.
“In such a challenging time, the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games have brought so much joy to households right across Australia,” Ryan said.
“I, like many people in the netball community, have watched in awe of our Australian athletes who have represented our country with pride, humility and determination.
“We congratulate them for their incredible achievements and wish our Paralympians the best of luck as they compete in two weeks’ time.
“We want our junior netballers to dream of Olympic glory in the sport they love.
“We want our netball fans, who are the proudest and most passionate supporters, to cheer on their favourite athletes as they compete in the green and gold with the whole world watching on.
“Our sport deserves to be played on the biggest stage.”
Netball is a global game, played by over 20 million people across more than 80 countries.
In Australia, netball is the biggest team sport for women and girls – played by over 1.2 million men, women and children nationally.
The Suncorp Super Netball League is the world’s best netball competition and the Origin Australian Diamonds are among this nation’s most successful sporting teams – currently ranked No. 1 in the world.
Netball is a place for girls and women to shine, but it is also a thriving community for men and boys.
Male participation in netball is increasing year-on-year, with a growing number of men and boys taking part in a range of competitions offered both by affiliated entities and in competitions and pathways offered by the Australian Men’s and Mixed Netball Association, as well as a range of social competitions.
“All our Member Nations are excited at the potential of being part of the Olympic Family in 2032,” said World Netball President Liz Nicholl.
“We are committed to exploring the potential with Netball Australis and ensuring that our case for inclusion adds significant value to this very special Olympic movement.”
From grassroots to the international level – Australia has a proud and successful history with the sport.
Sydney will welcome the world’s best netballers in 2027, winning a bid to host the sport’s most prestigious tournament – the Netball World Cup.
The marquee event will see 16 national teams battle for the title of world champion and will coincide with Australian netball’s centenary celebrations.
Netball Australia will now work closely with World Netball, the Australian Olympic Committee and the International Olympic Committee.
The work starts now.
