The Marie Little Shield: Growing Opportunities in Netball
From three teams in 2013 to representation from all eight states and territories, the Marie Little Shield has become Australia’s premier national netball competition for women with an intellectual disability.
Named in honour of Marie Little OAM, the Shield builds on her work to create netball opportunities in South Australia from 1979. After the earlier national competition ceased, Sport Inclusion Australia helped advocate for its return in 2012. The event became the Marie Little Shield the following year.
Tasmania’s debut in 2024 marked a significant milestone, bringing every Australian state and territory onto the court.
Today, the Shield offers athletes the opportunity to represent their state or territory and compete at a national level. Netball Australia leads the competition, supported by state and territory programs, while Sport Inclusion Australia contributes expertise in athlete eligibility and sporting pathways.
