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Resounding success of NETFESTHK reaffirms netball's rising popularity


The first-ever NETFESTHK, hosted by the Hong Kong Netball Association (HKNA), saw netballers of all abilities and ages gather in Fa Hui Park for two days of competitive netball.

Participating teams included the likes of Hong Kong Cricket Club, Valley, Hong Kong Football Club and DB Pirates, who were joined by schools such as Discovery College, ESF and Diocesan Girls' School.

With over 50 participating men's, women's and mixed teams competing in a range of age categories and playing formats, aspiring netballers as young as 7 were given the chance to show off their skills under the gaze of Hong Kong national players, who themselves swept home Escapade Sports Fast5s Ladies Open gold as the "Sonics".

"Emojis" emerged top of the pile in the Joint Dynamics Fast5s U-18 Girls category, while "Unknown" were crowned champions in the 2XU Fast5s Men's division.

"It's fantastic, Sonics are a new team in the competition for HKNA so this is the first official get out for us," said Jess McCauley.

"It's great to get some combinations out on the court and see how it all measures out."

Her Hong Kong teammate Connie Wong, who played more of an organisational role throughout, was delighted by the success of the event.

"It's the first time we've done anything of this scale and I think it's been a good turnout," said Wong, who features for Hantang Netball Club in the regular season.

"I thought all the teams played really well; they got all involved and played to the last second of the game."

"It wouldn't have been possible without all the helpers who helped us out during the weekend, as well as the sponsors."

"While it has been tiring, I think it is rewarding for myself, the sport of netball and hopefully for the netball community that came down this weekend."

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