‘Taking Netball to the top’

Young netballers from the Dauphine and Gomea areas who are part of the Ashburton Sports and Cultural Organisation (ASCO) training programme were last Saturday afternoon involved in a workshop at the Gomea Methodist School.{{more}}

Held under the theme: “Taking Netball to the top, through discipline, determination and dedication”, there was participation by 12 of the 25 members of the training programme.

Those present got expert advice from Former President of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Netball Association (SVGNA), Gloria Ballantyne, who implored them to let teamwork be their watchword, as Netball is a team sport and everyone must contribute in total.

Current President Godfrey Harry stressed the importance for them to be motivated, while Margaret Cumberbatch touched on the aspect of health and loving their bodies, and encouraged them to live healthy lifestyles.

National Netball Captain, Gailene Gordon, who also was on hand, spoke to the young women on the need to practice hard and be self motivated.

Diane Questelles, the main organiser of the workshop, told SEARCHLIGHT that ASCO’s decision to get young girls, between the ages of 12 and 16 involved in the sport was triggered by a significant fall off in participation in the sport by young women in the area.

Questelles said that from the training sessions, new talents should emerge and who should be showcased when the ASCO competition shoots off Sunday, October 3.

The Netball Competition falls within the ASCO series of activities to mark its twenty years of existence.

The activities begin this Sunday with a Church Service at the Gomea Methodist Church. Next Tuesday, September 14, which is the Anniversary Day, sees a lecture to be delivered by Dr. Linton Lewis, also at the Gomea Methodist Church.

Thursday, September 16, there will be the Annual General Meeting at the same venue. Two days later, a Community Market and local dish sale are carded for the Belair Spa.

Friday, September 24, a Concert takes place at the Dauphine Community Centre. Friday, October 1, the anniversary celebrations culminate with a Dinner also at the Dauphine Community Centre.

The anniversary is being commemorated under the banner: “ASCO – celebrating our past, shaping our future. ASCO – twenty years and growing stronger.” (RT)