Malo Lelei, my name is Etelini Manoa.

I started playing netball at a very young age, playing every game alongside my twin sister Malia Manoa.  I have faced many challenges during my time in netball.  These challenges have mainly been financial due to such a large family in addition to be parented by a single mum.  My mum has been single for over 3 years now and it has been extremely challenging since my dad left as everyone in my family plays sport or is doing something productive.  My mum wants what is best for us and every time we are presented with opportunities that involve money, mum always tells us to just go and do it and leave the payment to her to sort out.  I don’t want to let this opportunity go.   Self doubt and a lack of confidence would have to be my biggest barriers that I struggle with when I train and when I play.  This has been a challenge in the past and still continues to challenge me.  I am working on this and am focused on improving in this area.

I have achieved quite a few awards in netball which include a number of trophies in my region, Marlborough.  A recent achievement that I received last year during SISS (South Island Secondary Schools) was being part of the A Grade Talented Players group for 2016.  My biggest achievement of all is my most recent selection to attend the NZ Netball Development Camp.

My goal is to strive hard for what I want, never give up, to consider what God has planned for me and to please him through my actions and behaviour.

With your help I will be able to take part in this camp.  This is an opportunity of a lifetime and will help me to develop and enhance my skills.   Thank you