I was set the task to do a piece of writing that makes me happy,proud and a memorible time. During my time away on tournement I learnt that sports isnt just to do with playing its also to do with love,happiness,and meeting new people.
- Taitokerau
- Netball
- Representing
It was April the 25th an exciting moment for me and others as it was time to hop on the bus to start our journey to Hamilton to represent Tai tokerau as well as to compete against New zealand. I had shivers down my spine knowing that it would be the funnest happiest and teariest moments I can share with my team mates.
Our first stop was Whangarei, our Tai tokerau roopu decided we had to stop to see our nanakins which was the leader of our waaka that passed away early this year. We walked down to her grave singing some of her favourite waiata. Tears ran down my eyes as I was thinking of all the good things that she did for all of us and all the encouragement she gave to us. She taught us to never give up and always be proud of who we were. My teammates and friends surrounded me with lots of cuddles giving me and Danni the love and support we needed. After saying a quick hi and bye, the real journey started.
After hours later we arrived in Hamilton and got welcomed into the marae with a pohiri. I looked around and seen all the other teams that were representing their region .Then standing in front of all of us was the Waikato roopu as it was there year to host the tournment.
It started getting dark and late so everyone started getting tired, so we all went for showers and by then dinner and dessert had been cooked, after stuffing our faces with food we all went to bed so we can be prepared for the big day.
The sun rose everyone had breakfast and then got ready. We all plaited our hair and put our tracksuits on so we can make our nanakins proud and represent Tai tokerau with pride.
We hopped on the bus again and headed to the Hamilton netball courts where we seen all the different teams again. Tai tokerau u13s,u15,u17,19s,seniors were ready to compete against the rest of New zealand.
The first round started and that was us, we versed ikaroa ki te tonga (wellington) and one against them by 8. Our coaches and our team and the rest of our wakas were proud of us.
Hours and hours went games and games were played and finally the day was over. We played 8 games of netball won 6 and lost 2 but overall the u13s did the best out of our waka. So I was so proud of my team as well as my friends, family.
That weekend was filled with so much laughter,loving hugs and kisses. It was also even better as we brought home 3 gold trophies, as well as Ruby from u15s and Fluernik from u13s were chosen for the top 10 of their ages group. We were all so proud of each other.
