Former Kenyan netball player builds new family in Wollongong
Brigid Nijongesa, a former Kenyan netball player, met Birrong Netball Club at a shopping centre and found a second family.
Brigid Nijongesa arrived in Australia a year ago to study sports science, missing her five children and home in Kenya. A chance stop at Bass Hill Plaza led her to meet women from Birrong Netball Club, who invited her to play.
The former Kenyan national team player initially thought she was too old to compete, but she joined their Six Over Sixty team. Last weekend, she travelled with them to Wollongong for the Aware Super Social Masters tournament, where more than 750 netballers from across Australia gathered.
The club's coach said Brigid is both a skilled player and a dedicated community member who helps with coaching and clinics. For Brigid, the group has become her "Australian mothers."
She describes having them as a blessing because her children remain in Africa. The team plays together through life's changes and shows that sport builds connection across age and geography.
- 43
- Nijongesa's age
- One year
- Time in Australia
- More than 750
- Netballers at tournament
- 71
- Coach Lee Hill's age
Why it mattersThe story shows how community sport creates real belonging and mental wellbeing for people far from home.
AustraliaDemonstrates the power of local netball clubs to welcome migrants and build inclusive communities across Australia.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 2 h ago
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