One of the more colourful events in Cayman sports recently took centre stage.
The annual Cayman Islands Netball Association opening parade drew a number of schools and local clubs at the Truman Bodden Sports Complex. Cheering them on from the stands were dozens of parents and netball supporters.
This year’s parade, which as usual marks the start of the national netball league, saw various teams win trophies for looking their best. Among them was John A Cumber primary (Under-9 and Under-11 categories), John Gray high (U18 group) and Rising Stars netball club (Adult category).
Serving as guest speaker this year was Linda McField. A noted member of community groups such as Cayman Against Substance Abuse, McField is also a long-time fan of the sport. In her speech she spoke about the importance of netball in raising self-esteem, academic success and encouraging personal fitness.
Minister of Sports Mark Scotland was also in attendance. In addition to presenting trophies to the sides voted best dressed, Scotland also gave a lengthy speech on netball. In it he outlined he reiterated his support of the sport and encouraged locals to attend matches in greater numbers.
“To the young ladies I say work hard in school and work hard in sports,” Scotland said. “It is a good way to keep out of trouble. I see a bright future in netball and I encourage the parents and the coaches to keep working with the players. It is my pleasure that the government focuses on netball as one of the six focus sports here in Cayman. It is such a well-organized and positive sport and I assure you that the government will continue to support it. I look forward to the upcoming season and I know it will be very competitive.
“One last point I’d like to make is to increase the spectator levels of the sport. The association does so much and there’s no one in the stands to see that. Unfortunately it’s not just in netball. A number of teams make up a match. The officials are one, the teams and players are another and the spectators are part of it too. I urge everyone to fill up the stands not only for netball but for all sports here in Cayman.”
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