As Cayman Islands netball starts its national women’s competition, its chief has grand visions for the sport.
The Cayman Islands Netball Association is slated to start the 2011-2012 open league this Saturday, 14 January. The netball courts at Truman Bodden Sports Complex are expected to host the opening matches from 6.30pm.
Association president Lucille Seymour states netball can help promote a link between education and sports.
“Sports has a large target group and it needs to be re-examined to combat crime and as a benefit for a sound mind and body,” Seymour said. “It needs to be tied to education and they must be inter-related. The schools and the sports associations need a greater relationship as they can’t be in isolation.
“I would also like to propose to government a sports foundation. It would be irrespective of nationality and feature neutral people, not heads of associations. We would look at the best people to raise funds for the focus sports. It’s not a static thing, it could be dynamic. We might add sports.
“For elite athletes in focus sports who compete regionally and abroad, the foundation would work with government to create funds so that the sports here can survive. It would lessen financial burdens on the athletes.”
The Cayman government already has its focus on raising the profile of local sports. Last December, in conjunction with the Office of the Premier, the Ministry of Sports honoured swimmers Shaune and Brett Fraser along with jet ski rider Jordan ‘JJ’ McLean as national sports heroes. In addition to a billboard project to showcase those athletes across Grand Cayman, Minister of Sports Mark Scotland admits there are plans to form a panel that would guide funding for the various disciplines.
“We’re putting together a sports advisory policy to channel which direction all sports should go,” Scotland said. “That way we can get a collective direction going on such topics as how best we can utilise ministry funds. It won’t be a comprehensive sports collective, but it will be a start.”
Netball’s open league starts after the annual opening uniform parade last November. A stalwart of the netball scene for over 12 years, the parade saw Red Bay Primary School and John Gray High School claim the Under-9, U11, U14 and U16 categories. Unity, using a new name and look called Flames, would place first in the adult open division one and two.
In the open league focus will be on Roma, the reigning two-time national champions. Behind the likes of Kay Copeland and Anissa Owen, the yellow warriors claimed the A and B division crowns.
For Seymour the success of the upcoming competition will rest on the involvement of volunteers.
“Cayman netball would not exist without volunteers. I want to give a big thank you to them. We have no paid coaches and I wish we had more money to give to volunteers. Nevertheless we need sponsors and more benevolent people in the community. I encourage everyone, especially nationals from other countries, to help out.”
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