Netball has been a big part of Kinisalote Drasuna’s life.
Growing up in a family that loved netball, she continued to pursue her career in administration following in her mother’s footsteps.
Kinisalote, is Netball Fiji’s administrator, and she’s based at the NF office in Raiwaqa.
She hails from Galoa, Lekutu in Bua and shares maternal links to Narocivo, Nayau, Lau
She comes from a netball family; her mum, Sala, was a former Fiji rep and also a former Netball Fiji executive.
She has five other siblings.
Her two sisters are also involved with netball, one of which is Akanisi Lupe Drasuna, who was the coach of the Punja’s Thundersbirds during the Digicel Punja’s Reset Netball Championship last year.
“Netball is my passion. It has been a major part of my life growing up as my mum was an ardent netballer as well,” Kinisalote said.
“My sisters followed suit and this is also where lifelong friends who have become family were forged.
“At any given time that we (my sisters, mum and I) would be together, netball was top of the agenda. That is how important it is,” Kinisalote added.
She took up the role of being Netball Fiji’s administrator last year, with the leadership of president RubyAnn Sorovaki.
“Taking up this role in August last year hasbeen a blessing, especially after COVID-19, and also challenging.
“My work with NF, to list a few, entails managing the day to day running of our new office in Raiwaqa, coordinating meetings with stakeholders, the executive committee.
“It also includes handling bookings for national competitions, national squad training, purchase of merchandise and equipment and ensuring what we do is in compliance with our processes and policies and all regulations,” she said.
Being in the netball arena for quite some time, Drasuna indicated that sports is not only for the sake of playing games but to build relationships, networks and to be empowered.
“The participation of women in sports in Fiji is valuable because while it ensures physical activity, for some it provides a safe space
“A place where networks are created or enhanced, girls and women empowered and provides opportunities for employment and a career.
“It is a level playing field where any woman with the passion can succeed,” Kinisalote said.
Edited by Leone Cabenatabua
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