PELE Drive emerged champions of the 2022 Sandals/Social Development Commission (SDC) Flanker Community Netball League following a 24-19 victory over the valiant Trendsetta.

Trendsetta played an impressive match and led until the final quarter before Pele Drive’s tenacity prevailed, propelling them to the title and coveted cash prize of $40,000 and the Sandals Trophy.

The league was organised by the Social Development Commission (SDC) with sponsorship from Sandals Montego Bay, Sandals Royal Caribbean, Member of Parliament Horace Chang, Councillor Charles Sinclair, and Tropical Bliss, to bring about melioration for the residents of Flanker and as part of the ongoing Young Women Empowerment Initiative launched in July.

Kalcian Stone, captain of Pele Drive, thanked the sponsors for the initiative

“The win feels great but at the end of the day unity is all that matters — and I’m grateful for the opportunity for myself and my team to play in this league because it helped to bring about peace, love and unity.”

Stone’s sentiments were echoed throughout the day by patrons and officials at the match as they all expressed their satisfaction with the overall outcome of the competition.

“This competition has been absolutely awesome, filled with amazing sponsorship and support from places such as Sandals — which has been the heart of community involvement in and around Montego Bay — and is no stranger to working with the SDC,” declared SDC Parish Manager Randy Hale in his heartfelt closing remarks to the scores of residents in attendance.

“We are grateful for all of our sponsors and their role in furthering the capacities of the young women, and overall for aiding us in bringing about change.” Hale added.

Flanker resident Earldean Wilson also sung high praises to the organisers of the game.

“This match is helping to uplift the community. We say to the youth ‘No war’ but when they get together like this it’s better for them because they are able to learn to respect each other and work together. That’s a great thing that has happened and we are happy that even more is to come,” said Wilson.

Sandals Montego Bay’s Director of Guest Services George Heron, who was also in attendance, said:

“I am grateful to be a part of a company that has an active hand in community development. We will continue to work with Flanker to empower youth and foster change.”

Social Development Commissioner Ricardo Campbell was encouraged by the support from within the community.

“The show of participation and involvement from the people in and around Flanker is quite commendable. The netball league has exceeded my own expectations and I’m grateful for the change it has brought about and the partnerships that have been forged to make Flanker a more united community.”