BY LESLEY FOINAGWA – ISLES FREELANCER
The SPP Netball Team has emerged as champions of the 2025 West Kwaio Constituency Games, claiming first prize in the Buma Netball Competition and taking home a cash award of $3,000.
Speaking after the victory, SPP Netball Club Team Captain Jennister Sulimae expressed her excitement and pride, describing the win as a historic achievement for the team.
“As a team captain, I am very happy indeed with my teammates for winning this first prize. This is the first time for our girls and our club to win a major tournament like this,” Sulimae said.
She explained that the team had never competed in such a big competition before, making the victory even more meaningful.
“We have never played in such a big game before, so receiving this first prize makes us extremely happy,” she added.
Sulimae also looked ahead to the future, encouraging organizers to expand the tournament in coming years to create more opportunities for young girls to participate in netball.
“I look forward to such tournaments next year. I encourage the local organizing committee to make the tournament bigger in 2026 so it will motivate more young girls to get involved, especially in netball,” she said.
She further pledged that the SPP Netball Team would train harder in preparation for future competitions if the tournament is held again.
The team captain also extended heartfelt thanks to the community and families who supported the players throughout the competition.
“We thank our community, especially our families, because we represented them. They supported us so much while we competed here in Buma,” Sulimae said.
“On behalf of myself and the team, I sincerely thank our parents back in our community.”
Meanwhile, West Kwaio Sports Chairman Ezra Kuki praised everyone involved in making the Christmas Tournament 2025 a success, including officials, referees, team managers, players, supporters, sponsors, church leaders, chiefs, and the wider community.
“As we come to the close of this tournament, our hearts are filled with gratitude and joy,” Kuki said.
“Over the past days, we witnessed competition that showed unity, discipline, friendship, and the true spirit of Christmas.”
He emphasized that the tournament was not just about trophies, medals, or cash prizes, but about bringing people together.
“This tournament was more than winning—it brought together young and old, women and men, and strengthened sportsmanship, respect, and teamwork within our communities,” he said.
The successful completion of the 2025 West Kwaio Constituency Games has left players and organizers hopeful for an even bigger and better tournament in the years ahead.
