The Hamilton Sangam Netball Team, better known as the ‘Hamilton Sangam Ferns’ (HSF) has sought community help in raising money to fund their participation in the World Cup Tournament scheduled to be held in Sydney (Australia) in November.
Member Anu Krishna said the team has been winning the annual Tournament held in Fiji for the past five years but is always strapped for cash.
In the Tournament held this year, the Hamilton Ferns beat teams from Sabeto, Labasa and Rakiraki in the pool games, Middlemore Sangam (9-6) in semi-finals and Ba (17-12).
“The costs associated with taking a team to Sydney will be substantial, including travel, accommodation, transfers, food, playing gear and other expenses. Most of our players are at either school or university and hence are not employed. We rely heavily on public support and corporate patronage,” she said.
Established in 2006 to promote netball among women of South Indian descent, HSF shares a passion for the game with the members of the community.
“The team has been an enthusiastic participant in the annual Then India Sanmarga Ikya Sangam (TISIS) Convention in Fiji since 2007. The players range from school students to young mothers and most of us have learnt to manage our time at work, study, fulfill family commitments and play or promote netball.
“While we raise funds through a number of events, large sums are required to meet the expenses of participating in the World Cup this year,” Ms Krishna said.
For more information, contact Natasha Masih on (09) 6279627 or 021-793491.
