THE one-month countdown to the Americas Netball World Cup Qualifiers began September 15 with the promise of entertaining competition at the National Indoor Sports Centre (NISC).

The teams will be involved in a number of activities prior to the start of competition on the courts, with matches playing side by side. The pre-competition activities include a coaching seminar with international presenters such as Jill McIntosh, the Americas Netball annual general meeting and a special welcome ceremony for overseas-based teams.

The first match on the fixtures will get underway at 6 pm on October 16 at the NISC. The seven-day qualifying tournament will end on October 22 and will feature 36 matches played in a league format.

Dwayne Gutzmer, chair of the local organising committee for the qualifiers, said, “We will have nine teams participating in seven days of exciting netball. It promises to be a world-class event with lots of prizes, lots of giveaways, lots of fan engagement — and as we ramp up closer to the start date there will be lots more activation on social media and traditional media. Nine teams from the region; they include Antigua & Barbuda, Barbados, the Cayman Islands, Grenada, St. Lucia, St. Vincent & the Grenadines, Trinidad & Tobago, USA and of course Jamaica.”

Americas Netball President Marva Bernard promised fun and excitement.

“In one month’s time eight teams will join Jamaica and play in the Americas region Netball World Cup Qualifiers,” she said. “Jamaica have already qualified but the organising committee and Americas Netball felt that adding Jamaica in the mix for the tournament will bring some real competitive games to the home crowd fans. I know there is a buzz in the region because only two teams will go forward to play in Cape Town in July next year. There are only two spots and, based on the competition that has been held in the region recently since this year, it could be that people are gunning for, let’s say Trinidad and Barbados who have always been going to the World Cup, so I am looking forward to another thrilling, world-class event taking place in Jamaica.

“Not since 2003 have we had a multi-country netball tournament in the Americas region so I am hoping the patrons will come out. I know there will be good netball; it will be keenly contested and I can’t wait for the first whistle to blow on day one of the competition. So, let’s rock and roll and bacchanal, and catch the vibes and feel the vibes and have our dancehall and reggae — because it’s going to be a fun time in this country.”

The Americas Netball World Cup Qualifiers was launched in May, with the announcement of Sport Minister Olivia Grange as a patron.