Gina Rinehart is one of the most powerful women in Australia and is the Executive Chairman of Hancock Prospecting, a privately-owned mineral exploration and extraction company. But what many people may not know about her is that she is also a huge fan of netball.
In this article, we will explore the relationship between Gina Rinehart and netball, and how she has contributed to the growth and development of the sport in Australia.
Gina Rinehart’s Netball Background
Gina Rinehart’s interest in netball goes back to her school days. She played the sport at St Hilda’s Anglican School for Girls in Perth and was a keen participant in inter-school competitions.
Despite not pursuing a professional career in netball, her love for the sport remained strong, and she has continued to support it in various ways throughout her life.
Gina Rinehart’s Contribution to Netball
Ownership of the West Coast Fever
Gina Rinehart’s biggest contribution to netball in Australia has been her ownership of the West Coast Fever, one of the teams that competes in the Suncorp Super Netball league.
Rinehart bought a 50% stake in the West Coast Fever in 2016, and her investment has helped to secure the future of the club. Under her ownership, the team has gone from strength to strength, and in 2018, they made their first appearance in the Suncorp Super Netball finals.
Sponsorship of the National Netball Championships
In addition to owning the West Coast Fever, Gina Rinehart has also been a major sponsor of the National Netball Championships, which is the premier netball competition in Australia.
Her sponsorship has helped to raise the profile of the championships and has contributed to the growth and development of the sport in the country.
Support for Netball in Rural and Regional Areas
Gina Rinehart’s support for netball in Australia extends beyond the professional level. She has also been a strong advocate for the sport in rural and regional areas of the country, where access to facilities and resources can be limited.
In 2017, Rinehart made a $100,000 donation to Netball WA to support the development of netball in regional areas of Western Australia. Her contribution helped to establish new netball programs and initiatives, which have benefited thousands of young netball players in the region.
Gina Rinehart’s Love for Netball
Gina Rinehart’s love for netball goes beyond her financial contributions to the sport. She is a passionate supporter of the West Coast Fever and attends many of their games. In an interview with The West Australian, Rinehart spoke about her admiration for the dedication and hard work of the players, and the way in which netball brings people together:
“Netball is a team sport, and it’s a great way to make friends and be part of a community. It’s also a sport that requires a lot of skill and dedication, and I have a lot of respect for the players who compete at the highest level.”
Rinehart’s passion for netball has also inspired her to take up the sport again. In 2018, she joined a social netball team in Perth and has been playing regularly ever since.
Conclusion
Gina Rinehart may be best known for her business acumen and her success in the mining industry, but her passion for netball has also played an important role in her life. Through her ownership of the West Coast Fever, her sponsorship of the National Netball Championships, and her support for netball in regional areas of Australia, Rinehart has made a significant contribution to the growth and development of the sport.