Just over 40 candles were lit by various stakeholders on Sunday night during the opening ceremony of the Barbados Netball Association (BNA) at the Wildey Gymnasium – the light from the flames meant to guide the way of the new executive under the leadership of president Nisha Cummings.
Ernesta Drakes, permanent secretary in the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, represented Government and the National Sports Council and lit the big candle from which all of the others drew their flame.
Barbados Olympic Association (BOA) general secretary Erskine Simmons, Caribbean Netball Association president Kathy Harper-Hall, Cummings, national Under-16 captain Sade Browne, senior captain Latonia Blackman, as well as representatives from the 32 clubs, officials and umpires also took part in the 15-minute ceremony.
Cummings, speaking on the theme, To play good, you must look good, told everyone associated with the sport that “image is everything” and they needed to portray the right image to Barbados in order to attract sponsorship.
She said discipline, respect for the officials and respect for each other were critical elements in providing the right atmosphere in which to conduct the season and raise the profile of the netballers who in turn should raise the bar.
There were also addresses by Drakes, former president/coach/national player Carolyn Sinckler and BOA director Cameron Burke.
There was entertainment in song, drama and dance.
The National Under-16 squad played an exhibition game and the last two matches of the Fast5 Competition were held.
Prizes were also awarded for the 2012 season. (SAT)
