St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) National Women Netball Team — Vincy Jewels – will defend their title in the 3rd ECCB International Netball Series, in Antigua and Barbuda from today (Friday) to Oct. 7.
Vincy Jewels are among nine netball teams from across the region that will participate in the competition.
Vincy Jewels are led by captain Kaywanna Charles and vice-captain Kimesha Antoine and also include debutant Annicia Dallaway.
The other members are Joseann Antoine, Kaila Millar, Shellisa Davis, Zanique Vincent, Shania Pompey, Maryann Frederick, Kristiana Christopher, Jo Marie Quashie and Jeneise Lowe.
Paulina Thomas is team manager, with Vasha Adams as coach and Javid Marksman as physio.
Robertson Henry is travelling with the team as media liaison.
Adams, who was the captain of the victorious team in Dominica, is confident that in her role as coach, Vincy Jewels will retain the title.
The series is held under the theme “Excellence and Empowerment Through Sports”.
The other teams in the competition are Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, Montserrat, St. Kitts and Nevis, and St. Lucia.
Barbados and the Cayman Islands will participate as guest teams and for international ranking.
“The ECCB’s sponsorship of the tournament demonstrates the Bank’s commitment to the overall development and empowerment of the region’s women through sports,” the bank said in a press release.
“This dedication was demonstrated this year through the bank’s willingness to inject additional funds to assist the teams with travel expenses given the increase in the cost for regional travel,” the press release said.
Rufina Paul, resident of the Caribbean Netball Association said: “We applaud Governor Antoine and extend our sincere appreciation to the ECCB for its enormous level of contribution.”
The championship trophy is named in honour of the late Gloria Ballantyne of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, who was influential in regional netball for several decades.
“The public has been long awaiting some exciting netball action in Antigua and Barbuda since netball was dormant for couple years on the twin island nation,” said President of the Antigua and Barbuda Netball Association, Karen Joseph.
The netballers will also participate in a developmental session which will focus on “Sports as an Outlet for Coping with Mental Health”.
School Counselor, Harriett Warner, will conduct the session.
The participants will also have the opportunity to engage in discussion with the netball officials about the future of the sport in the region.