“It was a great success” she said “even though we had some little hiccups.”
The tournament which commenced on July 1st and ended on the 6th of July, saw teams from the OECS territories, Anguilla, Dominica, Grenada, Nevis, St Kitts, St Lucia and St Vincent and the Grenadines battling for supremacy and the title of ‘2011 OECS Under 23 Netball Champions.’
“The Tournament was properly promoted and marketed, and thanks must be extended to our Marketing Director, Miss Daiselyn Sharpe for the hard-work done” she added.
President Hanley-Liburd went on to make mention of persons and organizations that made the 2011 OECS U23 Netball Tournament a huge success.
“I would really like to extend thank you to, The Governor of Eastern Caribbean Central Bank; who, every night graced us with his presence, the Managing Director at the ECCB; Miss Jennifer Nero, Dr. Thelma Browne, Hon. Marcella Liburd, Miss Mildred Sargeant (Past President and member of the 1973 winning netball team), Minister of Sport, Glenn Phillip, Mr. Alphonso Bridgewater President of the National Olympic Committee, Miss. Darcel Smith, who was responsible training of the games’ officials, the Games’ Officials, The Officers of the Royal St Christopher and Nevis Police Force, the gate and bar personnel and the supporters.”
On a personal note, the President affirmed that the girls must be applauded for a job well done, as they have performed exceptionally well, with the help of their coaches and managers who played a vital role in aiding the team and match practice teams under the coaching of Amanda French and Vanessa Isles, as the St Kitts Team was seen a force to be reckon with after placing first in 2009 and second to Grenada in 2010. She further explained that on the last night of the tournament the St Kitts Squad was nothing more than a walking hospital.
“Our girls were basically a walking hospital on the night of the finals, but from working together, sleepless nights and dedication, they were able to pull it together and fought to the end” she cited
The president reiterated that she truly appreciated the support received from the members of the general public especially to those who showed up night after night to cheer on the teams and included that there is really hope for our young people.
The 2011 OECS Under- 23 Netball Tournament Championship trophy went to host country Sugar City St Kitts, who did not lose a game in the competition. They however tied with close rivals the girls from the Spice Isle of the Caribbean, Grenada 40-40 in the final match. St. Vincent placed second and Grenada third.