Netball president pleased

NATASHA BAPTISTEPresident of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Netball Association (SVGNBA), is pleased with most aspects of the recently concluded National Tournament.

FOLLOWING LAST WEEKEND’S CONCLUSIONof the National Netball Tournament, senior and junior teams were announced by the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Netball Association (SVGNBA).

The senior team reads: Kimesha Antoine, Joseann Antoine, Kaywanna Charles, Kristiana Christopher, Shellisa Davis, Mary-Ann Frederick, Kyila Miller, Shania Pompey, Jo Maria Quashie, Zanique Vincent, Ruthann Williams, and Geziel Wilson. Reserves are Mia Durrant, Jeneise Lowe and Kay-Shorn Lowman.

The youth team includes: Kayla Miller, Deoncia Creese,

Skye Baptiste, Vatesha Pompy, Zaundra Richards, Jamarah Coombs, Jada Berkley, Giada Small, and Ketonia Campbell. Reserves are Juniqueka Quashie,

Juneica Quashie and Phiunzia Laborde. The Vincy Jewels Senior Team will participate in the Central American and Caribbean Games in El Salvador from July 1 — 8, 2023, while the Junior Team will participate in the first ever fast-five segment of the Commonwealth Youth Games in Trinidad and Tobago, August 4 — 8, 2023.

I.B.A. ALLEN

In her brief feedback since, Baptiste said, “Well, after the break from the National Tournament for a couple years, many of the teams came back, I would say a bit rusty. However, as the tournament progressed, we saw improvement. What was encouraging is the excitement of the young players, many who were competing for the first time and though they were defeated, they continually turned up for their matches with the same level of excitement.”

She admitted, though, “We will however need to revisit the deficiencies in the Division 1 and work with the affiliates to see how we can make the necessary adjustments towards improvement and further development.”

Additionally, while noting improvement, she identified the area of officiating as one that still requires some attention.

Player’s development has always been at the forefront of the national netball body, and Batiste shared that part of the national focus will be on the grassroot programme and on scholarships.

“We will begin our grassroot programme soon and this will primarily be in the rural communities as we take the sport to these communities,” Baptiste assured.

As for scholarships, the president disclosed that her Executive is working towards affirming its relationship with London Pulse out of the UK. Notwithstanding that process, one student who graduates from Secondary School will receive a 2-year Bank of St. Vincent and the Grenadines (BOSVG) scholarship to the SVG Community College.

“That is a start, as we work to marry academics with sports,” Baptiste posited.