SVGNA expects more fallout

More fallout is expected in the St Vincent and the Grenadines Netball Association (SVGNA) over its decision to switch allegiance to telecommunications provider Digicel from bitter rivals Cable and Wireless after a 13-year relationship with the latter.{{more}}

SVGNA president Doris Mc Intosh admitted that all has not been well since the decision to sign the sponsorship deal with DIGICEL, but said that her organization made the right decision.

Speaking at a press conference last Monday at the Chamber of Commerce’s conference room, Mc Intosh said that the two positions vacated in the association will be filled shortly, but she expected a third person to resign due to the change.

Natasha Medford and Sonja Lewis resigned as Public Relations Officer and First Vice President, respectively.

An enthusiastic Mc Intosh said that she was humbly appreciative of the new relationship with Digicel, saying that she hoped that the birth of the new relationship will help foster the rebirth of Netball in St Vincent and the Grenadines.

She said that the SVGNA has examined the quality of netball and is determined to nip all the negatives in the bud.

She assured Digicel that their image will be enhanced by their association with the SVGNA.

Country Manager of Digicel in St Vincent and the Grenadines, Sonia Poius, said that her company appreciates the power of sports.

“It (sports) helps to develop the mindset of wining, of setting goals, of appreciating the importance of working as a team and the determination and tenacity to see you through,” Poius said.

She also said that the sponsorship of Netball is good, partly because most of the company’s sponsorships have been to male dominated sports.

Digicel Corporate Communications manager Jerry George said Digicel sees its social commitment as very vital to its business.

Digicel and the SVGNA have signed a three-year contract, which will include the hosting of the national club Netball tournament, and outfitting of the three national teams: the senior team, the under 23 and under 16 teams.

The deal is worth $60,000 over the next three years, but both parties hinted that much more could be added to the budding relationship as time goes by.

The SVGNA is also preparing to host the Americas Federation Netball Association (AFNA) from July 19th to 28th.

Eight countries including Argentina have already confirmed participation in this tournament.(KJ)