Captain of the Sunshine Girls Nicole Aiken-Pinnock expressed gratitude to the Minister without Portfolio with responsibility for Sport, Natatlie Neita Headley for taking time out to stage an appreciation function for the netball team and management staff who competed in the Wold Cup during August.

The function was recently at the Grogg Shoppe on the grounds of Devon House in Kingston.

Minister Neita-Headley said that the Sunshine Girls have done themselves and the country proud. They had maintained their number four ranking in the world and that it was only fair that their hard work and dedication be recognised and appreciated. She also took time out to salute Marva Bernard, then Netball Jamaica president, who yesterday demitted office, for her contribution to the sport over an extended time. The minister also said that the new president would have the full support of the government of Jamaica.

Bernard praised the efforts and achievements of the Sunshine Girls while saying that they deserved to be recognised for their hard work and for representing the country to the best of their ability. She said that it was overwhelming that the minister hosted a function to show appreciation to the Sunshine Girls. She also said that she was proud of the Girls and will be only a ‘Whatsapp’ and a heartbeat away from them. Bernard said that she looked forward to being on the sidelines and watching the Girls fulfil their dreams in the sport and their lives.

Mike Fennell, president of the Jamaica Olympic Association, also had high praises for the Sunshine Girls.

All the girls except retired player Paula Thompson, Romelda Aiken, who is in Australia, Nicole Dixon and Shanice Beckford, who are now playing in England in their university league, were presented with a piece of art. The management team was also recognised and presented with a piece of art.

The Sunshine Girls who received their gifts are Sasher-Gaye Henry, Jhaniele Fowler-Reid, Stacian Facey, Khadijah Williams, Vangelee Williams, Kadieann Dehaney, Anna-Kay Griffiths and Captain Nicole Aiken-Pinnock.

The attendees included numerous sponsors such as Sagicor, Best Dressed Chicken, Wata, Flow and Jamaica National, Molly Rhone, president of INF, and representatives from various parish associations and well wishers of the team.