By Nick Creely
Netball Australia has signalled a strong intention to have the sport played at the 2032 Olympic Games in Brisbane.
In what would be a major development for the sport, and for many talented players across the country and in the rich netball community of Melbourne’s south-east, Netball Australia has the support of World Netball as it strives to compete under the five famous Olympic rings.
The sport has been in the Commonwealth Games since 1998, and Netball Australia CEO Kelly Ryan believes it’s only fitting that it enters the Olympic fold.
“In such a challenging time, the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games have brought so much joy to households right across Australia,” Ryan said in a media release.
“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, which is played all over the globe by over 20 million people across over 80 countries, is the biggest team sport for women and girls, and continues to thrive for men and boys across local communities too.
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.
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.
In the local area, the AFL Outer East and West Gippsland Football Netball Competition netball leagues are among the strongest in Victoria, with the region seeing high participation rates and high-quality local netball, something that should increase in the coming years if the sport is played in the 2032 Olympics, giving plenty of incentive for more and more youngsters to take up the sport.
The Netball World Cup is also set for Sydney in 2027, with 16 national teams to battle it out for the title of world champion – another huge boost for Netball Australia’s plans for Brisbane 2032.
“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 Australia and ensuring that our case for inclusion adds significant value to this very special Olympic movement.”
Netball Australia will now work closely with World Netball, the Australian Olympic Committee and the International Olympic Committee.
