Cable & Wireless’ vice president for Human Resource Dr Didacus Jules and netball association president Rufina Paul working together to promote netball

After hosting a very successful Helen of the West Netball Festival last month, the St Lucia Netball Association (SLNA) has taken on yet another major challenge. They’re hosting the Caribbean Under-16 Championships from December 10-18 under the sponsorship of Cable & Wireless.

Organizers hope to make this championship a classy affair and they certainly are on the right track. The launch took place at Government House, as the competition will take place under the patronage of Dame Pearlette Louisy.
Permanent Secretary in the Department of Youth and Sports, Henry Mangal, praised the SLNA along with the Caribbean Netball Association for this initiative and referred to it as “a very significant undertaking.”

Despite a $22,950 sponsorship check from Cable & Wireless, the SLNA still needs additional funds. Mangal appealed to other corporate donors to assist with the preparation and accommodation of the St Lucia team. He assured that the ministry would also play its part.
Speaking on behalf of Cable & Wireless, Vice President for human resource, Dr Didacus Jules said: “It is a privilege for the company to be title sponsor of a regional tournament that is so crucial to the development of netball in the Caribbean.”
In addition Jules announced that Cable&Wireless would provide polo shirts, bibs, and socks for the team and assist the SLNA with advertising and publicity.
President of the SLNA, Rufina Paul, thanked C&W for their generosity and said she looked forward to a partnership development with C&W in terms of advancing netball.

Governor General Dame Pearlette Louisy congratulated C&W for their continued development of sports in St Lucia and in particular those disciplines traditionally played by women, which receive little or no attention.
“There’s a perception that women’s sports are soft options and recreational activities and therefore not particularly deserving of serious attention or even substantial sponsorship, “said the Governor General. “It is my hope, therefore, that the association of C&W and their involvement with regional netball, will dramatically change the tide. And as the level of sponsorship increases, so will the profile of netball in St Lucia and the Caribbean and profile of sports generally.”
Matches take place from 5pm at the Vigie Multi-Purpose Sports Complex. The tournament is in a round robin format and in accordance with the rules and regulations of the International Federation.
At the closing ceremony several awards will be presented including the Lucille Seymor Trophy and certificates of appreciation.