Minister Griffith Addresses BWU 42nd Netball Tournament

By December this year the roof of the Netball Stadium at Waterford, in St Michael should be completed.

This disclosure from Minister of Youth, Sports and Community Empowerment, the Honourable Charles Griffith, who says he met with the contractor for the project last week, to deal with the issue. He made the comments as he officially declared open the 42nd Barbados Workers Union Netball Competition at Solidarity House on Sunday afternoon.

Minister Griffith says there were some issues that needed to be straightened out pertaining to the Netball Stadium, especially in relation to the footing and he’s satisfied that in short order the home for netball, basketball and volleyball should be ready. He also revealed that a wooden floor for the Netball Stadium has been ordered and will be installed shortly. “In quick time after the roofing is completed you should have a facility not only for netball, but for basketball and volleyball”, Minister Griffith remarked.

The Sports Minister also revealed that the floor of the Wildey Gymnasium will be taken up and a brand new one installed starting in December, noting that when it’s completed it will be of the highest technological quality.

Minister Griffith also indicated that after the completion of the Netball Stadium, Barbados is hoping to stage a World Cup Qualifier for netball in October 2026. “Hopefully by October next year the World Cup qualifiers will be staged right here in Barbados”, Minister Griffith revealed.

This as he encouraged the Barbados Netball Association to continue its talent identification drive alongside its developmental programme to hone the best skills for the discipline that are available.

Minister Griffith also saluted the teams taking part in the BWU Netball competition, whilst calling for life skills like, anger management and financial literacy to be included in any offerings by the BNA.

Minister Griffith also urged coaches to encourage their charges to play at every opportunity available, since it will motivate the youngsters. “If you are up or down 30 points in a game, either way you need to give them  a chance to do what they have to do and show what they can do and to get involved in the sport and not remain on the bench”, Minister Griffith posited. He also suggested that players develop a ‘war cry’ to rally respective teams when they are facing challenges in competition.

BWU General Secretary, Toni Moore says the BWU Netball tournament has been around for half of the lifespan of the union which celebrates its 84th anniversary on October 4th this year.

She noted that “netball can play a pivotal role in shaping the lives of players since it’s built on trust, teamwork, engagement and a shared commitment”. 

At the opening ceremony over the weekend Chickmont Ballers copped third prize for best team on parade, 2nd prize went to the Police Male Netball team and the first prize to Phoenix Warriors Netball club.

At the opening ceremony the players oath was delivered by Taneisha Manard, the umpires oath by Heather Belle and the officials oath by Rosemary-Ward King. Over a dozen teams, including some male teams are taking part in the 42nd edition of the BWU Netball tournament.