Netball tour was a productive one

May 21, 2009 Sports

– Dr. Parris-Aaron

Dr. Maxine Parris-Aaron

President of the Guyana Netball Association (GNA) Dr. Maxine Parris-Aaron, presenting a synopsis on the national 16 and under squad’s trip to Jamaica to participate in the recently staged Caribbean Championship, referred to it as a very productive one.
Guyana was making its return to the tournament after an absence of 7 years and even though the team failed to win any of its matches, the President felt that attending the event was beneficial to the players, as well serving to provide a fillip for the sport here.

She said the success of the team’s participation could be taken from two standpoints (1) was the exposure the team got whilst playing against countries with far more experience, which forced them to raise their level of play and (2) they also learned the importance of many aspects of the game such as the impact of a good pass and the relevance of working as a team.

Parris-Aaron spoke of the gradual improvement of the team on a game to game basis which was recognised by the other countries and this was in spite of the losses, a feature which earned them the Most Disciplined Team award and a special trophy from the Caribbean Netball Association for exemplary courage, determination and togetherness throughout the tournament.
Captain Shonette Estwick was declared the team’s Most Valuable Player, while Simonica Fanfair was the youngest player at the tournament.

According to Parris-Aaron, the team shooters had a very good goal average throughout the competition, while the other encouraging news is that 9 out of the 10 players that attended the event are still eligible for next year, when Barbados play host to the championship.
Additionally, Parris-Aaron disclosed that during the month of August, an Umpire/Coach from Trinidad and Tobago is scheduled to arrive in Guyana to conduct workshops for both categories of officials, and will also work with both the junior and senior national teams.

“We are going to name the two national teams very shortly and they will immediately commence preparations for at least two regional competitions slated for next year,” Parris-Aaron informed.
She said that the seniors will be preparing to participate in a qualifying tournament with the aim of seeking to go to the World Championship, while the juniors training is for next year’s tournament in Barbados.