Sport Ministry gives Netball Jamaica $12m to host Americas Netball World Cup Qualifier
KINGSTON, Jamaica— Sport Minister Olivia Grange announced on Thursday that the Ministry is giving support worth J$12 million to assist Netball Jamaica to host the Americas Netball World Cup Qualifier for the 2023 Netball World Cup.
Grange’s announcement came at the launch of the Americas Netball World Cup Qualifier for which she has also accepted Netball Jamaica’s invitation to be the official patron.
“The Ministry and its agencies are providing $1.8 million to Netball Jamaica for team preparation; $2.5 million for transportation and will be covering the cost of rental of the National Indoor Sports Centre where the Qualifier will take place from October 16 to 21, 2022,” Grange said.
Ten teams will be playing in the Qualifier for the two remaining places that would see them competing in the World Cup. Jamaica has already qualified due to its number four world ranking.
“I am proud, all of Jamaica is proud of this first for Netball Jamaica; playing host for the staging of a Netball World Cup Qualifier. History will also be made when the next Netball World Cup, the 16th edition, takes place at the Cape Town International Convention Centre, South Africa, since it will be the first time that the tournament will be held on the African continent. South Africa has gained a reputation for the staging of world-class events so we can expect something extra special when they host the Netball World Cup,” Grange said.
“The upcoming Qualifier will certainly serve to project Netball Jamaica afresh to the nation. Netball Jamaica will tell you that I have challenged them to reimagine how they see themselves. Their value is great and we need corporate Jamaica to come on board in a greater way to support them,” the Minister added.
Continuing she said: “I would love to see partners coming onboard to provide bus, sport gear and all the other services they need because I am sure that our Sunshine girls will give sponsors value for their money! We want to see the sport grow in Jamaica and continue to give our girls and yes, boys too, the avenue and outlet to express themselves and dare to dream to play at higher levels.”
The Minister added that she hopes that when the final of the Netball World Cup is being played on August 6, 2023, while Jamaica celebrates its 61st year of Independence, The Sunshine Girls will be one of two teams competing for the title.