Nainima joins European League

Fiji’s top female basketball player Valerie Nainima will not take part in the Pacific Games in New Caledonia next month.

The 25-year-old was offered a one-year contract to play for a Division One team Oberhausen in Germany for the European League after playing for South Carolina University in the United States.

The former Saint Joseph Secondary School student said she felt blessed.

“I’m recovering after being injured and was so blessed with this opportunity,” Nainima said.

“I know representing my country around the world is something I would cherish,” Nainima said.

She spent most of her childhood in Ra and lives with her family at Richards Road in Suva.

“This is the opportunity of a lifetime,” Nainima said.

“Like many, growing up, trying to achieve my goal was tough for me because there were many challenges along the way.

“But I’m thankful that I have achieved those goals so far.

“It’s the matter of being patience and strived towards success.”

Nainima recently returned from studying at South Carolina University in the United States.

She is proud of her personal achievements.

That strength and maturity have allowed her to step in and lead one of the more diverse rosters in college basketball.

“I just want to thank God for the talent that I have.”

She was nominated as the 2009 Sportswoman of the year.

Nainima will leave the country for Germany next month.




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