MARIE LITTLE SHIELD The Confident Girls Foundation funding supported the 2025 Marie Little Shield, held at Brisbane’s Nissan Arena from 5–7 September. The tournament brought together female athletes with an intellectual disability from all eight states and territories, building on the success of 2024 and providing inclusive national pathways for all-abilities athletes. Over three days of round-robin matches and finals, athletes demonstrated skill, teamwork and sportsmanship while connecting with peers and building confidence on and off the court. The event culminated in an exciting grand final, with Netball NSW successfully defending the Marie Little Shield title following an unbeaten tournament. The tournament highlighted the power of sport to create connection, friendship and belonging. Athletes embraced the opportunity to represent their state or territory, celebrate their abilities and form meaningful relationships with teammates and competitors alike. The event fostered an environment where participants were encouraged to challenge themselves, build confidence and experience the pride of competing on a national stage. The tournament was streamed live on KommunityTV, allowing the broader community to celebrate the athletes’ achievements and increasing visibility of allabilities pathways within netball. Individual awards recognising leadership, positivity and team spirit further highlighted the impact of the event, while bringing together athletes, families, volunteers and supporters in celebration of inclusion and achievement. The 2025 Marie Little Shield continued to provide a platform for participation, confidence-building and meaningful competition, reinforcing the importance of inclusive opportunities that empower girls and women with an intellectual disability to thrive through sport.
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