The Grell Hull Dora Stevens Netball Complex has come to life once more.
After several years in the wilderness, the once-popular stadium has been refurbished by the Nevis Island Administration, led by the collaborative efforts of the Ministries headed by the Hon. Spencer Brand and the Hon. Eric Evelyn.
Special commendations were given to Allister Thompson who spearheaded the team that worked on the project.
On Thursday 30th June, a double ceremony saw the official reopening of the Complex and the commencement of the Nevis Netball tournament, hosted by St. Kitts and Nevis Netball Association.
The Netball teams marched smartly from downtown, Charlestown, accompanied by the Gingerland Methodist drum corp, right into the Netball Complex.
Preliminary items on the program, included prayer by Pastor Wayne Maynard; the national anthem, beautifully rendered by Vinelle Powell; the raising of the national flag by the cadet corps.
The proceedings were ably chaired by Director of Sports on Nevis, Mr. Jamir Claxton and included remarks by a representative of one of the major sponsors—First Federal Credit Union.
Also giving brief remarks, was Mr. Dion French, President of the SKNNA and Ms. Jaedee Caines delivered an exciting overview of the fifty years of Netball in Nevis, indicating that quite a number of players from Nevis have excelled on the regional and international stage.
Two outstanding servants of the game, received special recognition and awards, for their superlative service through the sport:
They were: Mrs. Carol Liburd –Ward and Ms. Latasha Isles.
Area representative for St. Paul’s, Hon. Spencer Brand and Minister of Sports, Hon. Eric Evelyn, also delivered fitting remarks.
The players’ oath was read by Ms. Jewel Thompson and the umpire’s oath was read by Mr. Ivan Barry.
Hon. Eric Evelyn then declared the facility officially reopened and the vote of thanks was done by Sports officer, Mr. Aljay Newton.
To climax the evening, one game was played on court number one, between Revivorz and Pioneers.
Rain forced curtailment of the match in the final quarter, with Revivorz leading in the one-sided affair: 41 goals to 4.
Two matches will be played tomorrow Saturday evening, starting at 6 pm.