by SHERRYLYN A. TOPPIN

A SENIOR SPORTS ADMINISTRATOR has told members of the netball family to put aside the squabbling which continues to hamper the development of their sport.

During the opening ceremony for the 2010 season last Saturday at the Netball Stadium, Erskine Simmons, secretary general of the Barbados Olympic Association (BOA), warned there would be no progress in such an environment.

Those in the audience included Minister of Sports Esther Byer-Suckoo, Director of Sports Erskine King, Barbados Netball Association president Octavia Gibson, past presidents Angela Gibbs, Carolyn Sinckler, and Kathy Harper-Hall, now president of the Caribbean Netball Association, and other members of the board.

"Madam president, I am concerned over the constant squabbling that appears to take place among the executives and officials of your sport," Simmons said.

"In an environment of discord, it is difficult to progress and in this regard, I plead with you, the managers of netball in this country, to work together for the advance of the sport and the advancement of young women."

Simmons, however, lauded the senior side as the only team which would be travelling to the Commonwealth Games in Delhi, India, in October.

He said the BOA played a lead role in having netball introduced in the games, and "we would like to see a netball team on the podium".

The issue of discipline was also a thread in the feature address by Minister Byer-Suckoo.

"At present, netball is the only female team sport in Barbados to have a world ranking and I therefore urge that whatever you do, on and off the netball court, must encapsulate your world-class standard and reflect the pride, dignity and professionalism for which Barbadians are now renown," she said.

"Continue to provide opportunities for self-development for the young women as you have been doing for the past two generations. The discipline has made them better women and contributed to the society.

"Continue to demand discipline, excellence, dedication, and good deportment from your members. Failure to do so will be at your own peril."

The minister also revealed that the redevelopment project for the Netball Stadium was on the front burner.

This project, which would see the facility transformed into a multi-purpose indoor venue, was placed on hold due to financial constraints, rather than a lack of commitment to the sport, she said.

Byer-Suckoo added that through closer ties with clubs and organisations from the community to the national level, the authorities wanted to attract and maintain increased participation in all sports, while ensuring the optimum use of resources.

About 15 clubs took part in the parade of teams from the National Stadium. Brydens Anchor was named Best Team On Parade with an impressive banner to complement their red and blue uniforms.

Prizes and awards were also distributed for last season's efforts.

This year marks the 35th anniversary of the BNA.