Ministry of Sport helps young Sunshine Girls to Youth World Cup

THE MINISTER of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport Olivia Grange, has announced that the Ministry has paid over the equivalent of $4.6 million in fees to World Netball on behalf of Netball Jamaica for Jamaica’s under-21 netball team to participate in the Netball Youth World Cup in Gibraltar in September.

Grange made the announcement in a message delivered on her behalf by Permanent Secretary Denzil Thorpe at the media launch of the Netball Jamaica Red Stripe Flavours-sponsored Elite League Netball League on Friday.

The minister said that the sum paid to World Netball was £21, 806.75.

“Yes, the ministry has delivered on our commitment to support the team to Gibraltar. At the current exchange rate, the contribution is $4.6M.

Grange said she acknowledged that the Netball Jamaica Elite League served as a cornerstone for developing and showcasing the finest talent in Jamaican netball.

“And I note once again that the national under-21 team, competing as the The JPS Shiners, is competing in the Elite League. Their inclusion is of particular importance since it will provide them with valuable practice as they prepare for the Netball Youth World Cup.

“I commend title sponsors Red Stripe Flavours, and the other sponsors; Powerade, Jamaica Public Service Company, Marathon Insurance Brokers, Xpress Sports, Mitsubishi Motors, Texaco, and Nature Valley.

“I wish all teams in the league this year all the best. The JPS Shiners, The Kingston Hummingbirds, The Manchester Spurs, who are the defending champions, The St Ann Orchids, and The St Catherine Racers.

“It is also an exciting prospect that for the first time in the competition’s history, the draft also included two overseas players, one from England and the other from Australia. That should add some more sparkle to the competition.

“I am also pleased to learn that all the coaches of the Elite League are currently engaged in Netball Jamaica’s Level Three Coaching Course, ensuring the highest standards of leadership and tactical expertise throughout the season.

“We look forward to their best performances on the court and I am encouraging the fans to turn out in numbers at the National Stadium with the expectation that they will be treated to a high standard of netball for the duration of the League.”