H1N1 virus outbreak halts Netball Fiji tour July 04, 2009
Netball Fiji has called off its World Youth Championship build-up tour to Australia next week because of the global outbreak of Pandemic H1N1 2009 virus.
The outbreak of the disease, formerly known as swine flu, has sent a stern signal to the fraternity on the safety of its players ahead of the WYC in Cook Islands next month.
Team manager, Selina Kuruleca said the association has invited the Australian Institute of Sport to come over for a warm up game. However, she said a Plan B has been implemented if the Australian team fails to make it to Fiji.
“We’re not taking the risk so for the safety of our players we intend to keep them at home,” said Kuruleca.
“We’re inviting the Australian Institute of Sports to come over for a week and have a few matches with us. We have another plan in case the visiting side fails to make it, we’ll be playing the Under-21 district teams and this should prepare us ahead of the World Youth Championship.”
Fiji faces a tough pool C game against Australia, South Africa, Samoa and Botswana.
The World Youth Netball Championship will be in held in Rarotonga in Cook Islands from August 10 to 20.