New equipment to suppoprt growth of school netball

Jul 14, 2026 | Sports | 0

The National School League (NSL) netball programme has received a boost following the donation of 83 boxes of sporting equipment from Brisbane-based Australian supporter Helen Baker.

The equipment was presented yesterday at Korman Stadium, where Baker’s donation was handed over to NSL Netball Development Officer, Florence Leo.

The shipment included netball shoes, uniforms, bibs, socks, jackets and other essential sporting gear.

Later that afternoon, the first batch of equipment was distributed to students from Eton School, Maumau School, Eratap School, Dona Elite School, Victory School and Seaside Primary School.

The remaining equipment will be distributed to schools participating in the NSL netball programme throughout Port Vila.

The latest donation continues Baker’s long-standing support for women’s sport in Vanuatu.

Two years ago, she also donated sporting equipment to teams competing in the South Efate Women’s Football League where David Gould is currently the President.

Baker said empowering girls and women through sport remains her primary motivation.

“Supporting women is our main focus. We want them to be part of a community where they are included and recognised,” she said.

She explained that donations were collected through her personal Facebook page, where friends and supporters across Australia responded generously to her appeal.

“We had an abundance of donations, including socks, jackets and other sporting equipment.

“We hope to continue building sport by providing equipment so people can be part of a team and hopefully create some independence as well,” Baker said.

She added that participation in sport provides far more than physical activity.

“We want children and women to stay healthy, build friendships and become part of their communities.

“Sport can also create opportunities to become coaches, referees or pursue other leadership roles.

By giving them the tools and equipment, we’re helping them get out there and live their best lives.”

Baker said that while women’s sport is still developing in many countries, she hopes the donations will encourage more girls and women in Vanuatu to become involved.

NSL Netball Development Officer Leo described the donation as both unexpected and overwhelming.

“This donation is more than we expected, and we are extremely grateful,” she said.

Leo thanked Baker for her generosity and expressed confidence that the partnership would continue in the future.

“We will ensure transparency and accountability in distributing this equipment so that it benefits our schools and contributes to the continued growth of women’s sport,” she said.

She also acknowledged David Gould from the Grand Casino for helping establish the partnership that made the donation possible.

Leo said the equipment will support not only the National School League programme but also outreach activities organised by the Vanuatu Netball Association (VNA).

The current shipment follows an earlier donation made in 2024, which included football boots, futsal shoes, shin pads, socks and other sporting equipment.

Baker said this latest round of donations also includes equipment for basketball and athletics programmes, extending support to more young athletes across Vanuatu.

SOURCE: VANUATU DAILY POST

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Vanuatu’s Titan FX Dream beyond borders shortlisted in ICMA awards October 6, 2026
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