 The Samoan Handball Association presented their first ever National Junior Women's team to compete at the Oceania Junior Championships in 1999, (Porirua, NZ) which was won by New Zealand.In 2000 the IHF made big efforts to promote Handball in Oceania because of the upcoming Sydney Olympics which were held in 2000.The legendary coach Bengt Johansson (Sweden) was sent to support on site, economic support was given, development aid granted and additional help sent wherever possible.