The National Fast Five Tournament opened on Saturday at the Kingstown Netball Centre with president of the SVG Netball Association, Natasha Baptiste saying it is another avenue for the top teams and players to compete.
The tournament involves the teams that competed in the national championship, with the teams from Division 1 and the top three teams from Division 2 combined to form Division 1 for the Fast Five tournament.
The top three teams from Divisions 3 and 4 combine to form Division 2. If any of those teams are unable to accept the invitation, it be extended down. The tournament also includes as male division.
Baptiste explained that the tournament will be played for about 10 days and is expected to culminate on Nov. 24.
There have been rule changes internationally, which will be implemented in this year’s tournament, Baptiste said, adding that the new rules will make for even more interesting games.
She said 2024 has been a very successful year for SVG netball, noting that the under 16 Vincy Jewel Youths took part in the Caribbean Netball Association’s Jean Pierre tournament.
“And while we may not have placed in the top three, we saw the emergence of talent in both the athletes and management,” Baptiste said.
She further pointed out that the male national team — Vinci warriors — and Vincy Jewels – the seniors female national team — represented the country in St. Kitts and Nevis and the St. Lucia, respectively.
Vincy Warriors place third in the Americas netball men’s championship in Basseterre and Vincy Jewels won the ECCB international netball series without losing a game.
“… we want to thank our men and our women for continuing to be committed to the task of representing their country,” Baptiste said.
She also noted that in September, Vincentian Moeth Gaymes was accorded international umpire status.
“This award is the highest level that can be reached as an international umpire. This means that we can look forward to seeing Mr. Gaymes officiating in world tournaments,” Baptiste said.
She also noted that Gaymes is responsible for the development and training of local umpires.
“We, as a nation, might be small on the map, but we don’t back down from nobody or no challenge. So, we see the successes of our athletes and our officials,” Baptiste said.
She thanked the public for its continued support for netball.
“We are seeing a lot happening in our nation, and we trust that sport can help to keep our young people focused and also to keep those of us who are not so young in shape, mentally and physically.”
Baptiste also said she hopes that her association would be able to hold the firms and industrial tournament next year “so that our business sector can get active as well”.
Meanwhile, Minister of Sports, Orando Brewster congratulated the organisers for ensuring that the tournament is held.
“And as you are aware, St. Vincent and the Grenadines has been doing extremely well in the sporting discipline of netball. And in order for us to do well, we must make sure that we develop our grassroots programmes,” he said.
“We must also make sure that we have active tournaments across our country, and this is a part of doing so.”
The sports minister told the participants in the tournament that they are expected to carry themselves “in a professional and a sporting manner, meaning that you would have comradery.
“I know netball is a contact game, and at time emotions will flare, but at all times, I’m asking you to try your best to control your emotion as it relates to your opponents and also those who are in charge of the matches, the umpires.”
Brewster also wished participants a tournament free of injuries.