Dear Editor,
I would like to congratulate the Sunshine Girls and the management of Jamaica Netball for the brilliant victory they pulled out in the England vs Jamaica Sunshine Series that just ended. The girls were spirited overall, and whatever happened in the changing room at half time for the third game, keep doing it! It worked!
Now, how can we as Jamaicans help the Sunshine Girls keep the momentum going to August for the Netball World Cup? What can we do to help them to the top of the podium against the might of the Silver Ferns of New Zealand and Aussie Diamonds of Australia?
First, the programme needs money. The reality is that one can no longer reach first-class level on talent alone. Our girls are competing against teams that have so much more resources at their disposal, that I always marvel that they manage to compete so successfully. More corporate sponsorship would be great.
If, as we say, we are, truly a sport-loving nation, more sponsors should be involved from the developmental stage of every sport that we play. I'm grateful for those companies that already buy into this ethos and I hope that many more join the ranks, especially in time for Netball World Cup in Sydney, Australia.
Even at grass roots level we can galvanise Jamaica to help. Why not launch a $100 campaign to raise funds? Every $100 would be welcome.
Second, the programme needs more of other resources: specialist coaching, food, equipment, travel expenses, sundries, training facilities, etc. Of course, this all comes back to money. However, your help doesn't have to be in cash. People or companies have access to these things and could offer services in exchange for sponsorship exposure. Plus, there are entrepreneurial Jamaicans who can co-brand appropriate goods and services to help raise funds. Can you offer your technical help to build awareness of the Sunshine Girls online? I'm sure with the right social media resources we can raise funds by reaching out to the millions of Jamaicans abroad, who aren't even aware help is needed.
We know times are hard and it's tempting to just be focused on our own personal well-being, but take a moment and think of the athletes, especially the less famous ones who represent and make us proud every day. They give of their talents, so what can we do to help? There's an old-time saying: "Every mickle mek a muckle!"
I really want to see a Jamaican team beat the Aussies and Kiwis at netball in my lifetime. Let's get behind the girls in ways that count.
Philippa Pedder
London, UK
philippapedder@gmail.com
Sunshine Girls did well, let's help keep them going
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I would like to congratulate the Sunshine Girls and the management of Jamaica Netball for the brilliant victory they pulled out in the England vs Jamaica Sunshine Series that just ended. The girls were spirited overall, and whatever happened in the changing room at half time for the third game, keep doing it! It worked!
Now, how can we as Jamaicans help the Sunshine Girls keep the momentum going to August for the Netball World Cup? What can we do to help them to the top of the podium against the might of the Silver Ferns of New Zealand and Aussie Diamonds of Australia?
First, the programme needs money. The reality is that one can no longer reach first-class level on talent alone. Our girls are competing against teams that have so much more resources at their disposal, that I always marvel that they manage to compete so successfully. More corporate sponsorship would be great.
If, as we say, we are, truly a sport-loving nation, more sponsors should be involved from the developmental stage of every sport that we play. I'm grateful for those companies that already buy into this ethos and I hope that many more join the ranks, especially in time for Netball World Cup in Sydney, Australia.
Even at grass roots level we can galvanise Jamaica to help. Why not launch a $100 campaign to raise funds? Every $100 would be welcome.
Second, the programme needs more of other resources: specialist coaching, food, equipment, travel expenses, sundries, training facilities, etc. Of course, this all comes back to money. However, your help doesn't have to be in cash. People or companies have access to these things and could offer services in exchange for sponsorship exposure. Plus, there are entrepreneurial Jamaicans who can co-brand appropriate goods and services to help raise funds. Can you offer your technical help to build awareness of the Sunshine Girls online? I'm sure with the right social media resources we can raise funds by reaching out to the millions of Jamaicans abroad, who aren't even aware help is needed.
We know times are hard and it's tempting to just be focused on our own personal well-being, but take a moment and think of the athletes, especially the less famous ones who represent and make us proud every day. They give of their talents, so what can we do to help? There's an old-time saying: "Every mickle mek a muckle!"
I really want to see a Jamaican team beat the Aussies and Kiwis at netball in my lifetime. Let's get behind the girls in ways that count.
Philippa Pedder
London, UK
philippapedder@gmail.com
Sunshine Girls did well, let's help keep them going
-->