Each year, the Hong Kong Netball Association runs an academy to train young netballers that have potential to play for the national team. They encourage players to step outside their comfort zone and experience new things. They test your capability through their trials and select those who show determination, skill and commitment.
One week after my birthday, I had my trials for the academy. I was shocked as well as a bit nervous to see about 85 people there. I thought I probably had no chance against them. However I decided to give it my best shot. I played in the two positions I like most, Goal Defense (GD) and Goal Keep (GK). There were three judges, the HKFC head netball coach, HKCC head netball coach and one representative from the Hong Kong Netball Association (HKNA), who were judging the players on every aspect of the game.
The results of this first trial came the Monday after the trials. Only 48 got through to the next round. I scrolled down the list and was so happy to find my name of the list. I was through to the second trials!
The second trial was far more intense. Though I was nervous, I again tried my best, in the same two positions as in the first trials, GD and GK. The results of this trial also came on the following Monday, and I was hoping I’d be one out of the 30 to get through.
And there I was, out of many other GD’s and GK’s, I was selected.
I was thrilled! This has to be one of my greatest achievements yet! I have always wanted to be on the Hong Kong national team, and playing in the regional team has definitely brought me one step closer.
Through this experience, I learnt many things. I was given valuable tips by the senior players and I learnt some new techniques watching all those players,. I got a taste of what it would be like playing on the national team!! Tanisha Vashishta

It has been a very busy two weeks for FIS sailors Matt Clark (Class Y8A) and Oriane Voets (Class 6eD).  Prestigious Hong Kong Race Week (HKRW) (17-21 Feb) saw Matt qualify in the single-handed dinghy Optimist Class for the World Championships in Portugal in June! Only the top 5 sailors from each country can go and after a very tough regatta, Matt finished the last race knowing he had done enough to qualify.  “I was sooo tired!. It was very windy - conditions were tough but I’m over the moon!”. Meanwhile Oriane, also competing, is one of Hong Kongs’ top aspiring young female sailors and after HKRW has topped the 12yrs and Under rankings for Hong Kong: came 3rd in the 12 years and Under Overall category for Asia and qualified to represent Hong Kong at the upcoming European Optimist sailing championship in Italy in July!
In addition both Matt and Oriane then competed separately Feb 27-28th in the two-handed sport boat Feva National Championships. Matt with his partner won every race with straight 1sts across the board to become National Champions. Helm Oriane, still just 12 yrs old, came in a very impressive 3rd overall. Well Done to both of you!!