Low team turnout at netball opening irks area representative

The perennial low turnout of teams for the march past and the opening ceremony of the annual Sion Hill Netball Tournament has been highlighted by parliamentary representative for the area Arnhim Eustace.{{more}}

Addressing the ceremony last Sunday afternoon at the Sion Hill Playing Field hard court, Eustace called on teams to pay more respect to the occasion and to the sponsors.

“Every time I come here to look at this ceremony or to participate in it, whenever we have the teams on parade, we have too many teams that don’t have their full numbers… I find it somewhat disrespectful to the organizers and to the sponsors of the tournament,” Eustace commented.

The area representative claimed that the teams get adequate notice of the opening, hence should make a greater effort to be better represented at the opening ceremonies.

“I am appealing to the teams, now and in the future to ensure that they are here for the march past …. It is very important; it points to the level of your participation… It points to your concern about the organizers and the areas you represent, they look forward to full representation,” Eustace added.

One team that was fully represented was new entrants to the competition and to the local Netball circles – Pacers Netball Club, which was adjudged the Best Turned Out team on show.

Taking the Best Banner Award was Everready Future Stars.

And, as he has done in previous years, Eustace pledged $500 to the Most Disciplined Team and $250 to the Most Disciplined Player.

Also addressing last Sunday’s ceremony was Sylvorn Harry – second vice-president of the St Vincent and the Grenadines Netball Association and Kelvin Franklyn of the St Vincent Brewery.

Twelve teams, divided into two divisions, are contesting this year’s tournament, which will consist of a league and a knockout competition.(RT)