Netball President sees Netball as an alternative to criminality

President of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Netball Association (SVGNA) Godfrey Harry is calling for all round support for Netball to help combat many of the social ills which are affecting St. Vincent and the Grenadines.{{more}}

Harry made that passionate plea as he addressed the Opening Ceremony of the 2011 Digicel National Club Netball Tournament at the Arnos Vale Netball Complex last Sunday afternoon.

“I am once again making an appeal to all stakeholders to assist with the development of Netball here in SVG. We are allowing too many of our youths to fall by the wayside. Too many of them have strayed from what is right and good and are turning to all manner of criminal activity,” Harry, who is a teacher by profession, observed.

Advocating an all round approach, Harry named the major players in his appeal.

“I am calling on each person, the ministry of sports, our sponsors – Digicel SVG Ltd, players, sponsors of teams represented here today, spectators, listeners and all to help with the development of Netball. Let us provide an option for our youth so that they will learn through Netball to be disciplined and industrious”.

“I want each person who can hear my voice today to ask yourselves, how can I contribute to the development of Netball”, Harry requested of those whom he targetted.

Continuing his advocacy, Harry proffered: “One really does not have to give finance only, but your time given to teach just one youth the sport is quite significant. Your skills which you can share with just one youth is also quite significant”.

Harry, who became the first male to be elected to the top post of the modern Netball Association in February last year, in predominantly female dominated sport, used the occasion to outline his organisation’s focal areas for 2011.

He listed the recruitment of coaches, better trained umpires and the further development of national teams so that they become fitter, more skilled and ultimately winners not just in the sporting arena but in life.

At the other end of the plank, Harry reminded those hearing him that “We have started a foundation for our youth through our Saturday mornings youth development programme and I am convinced that holistically our youths are developing into the young ladies whom we hope they will become.”

Harry and his Executive are overseeing 39 clubs/teams in the 2011 tournament.

Eight are registered in Division One, twelve are in Division Two, nine are drawn in Division 3, eight are stashed in Division 4, and two are in the new Division, the Veterans category.

Last Sunday’s opening also heard addresses from Minister of National Mobilisation, Social Development, Family, Persons with Disabilities, Youth, Sports and Culture Frederick Stephenson and Digicel’s representative, Jerry George.

In the March Past, Maple Youth was adjudged the Best Dressed Team, and Standard Shippers Falcons won the Best Banner title. (RT)