The recently concluded Americas Men Netball Championship was a full action- packed event involving teams from Antigua, Grenada, Jamaica, South Africa as guest and the host country, St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
We saw the pace of the South Africans and the Jamaicans, the eventual winners. Congratulations!
One may ask the question: Why are men involved in a sport known to be played primarily by females?
Some say there are historical facts to show that the game was started by men. Regardless of the origin, it is my opinion that the world is heading in the right direction as it relates to the sport being recognized and accepted by the International Olympic Committee as an Olympic sport. (Both sexes must play the discipline for acceptance to take place).
Back to the recent Championship. At the event, we saw regular appearances by the Minister of Sports Hon. Frederick Stevenson and his Permanent Secretary Mr. Raymond Ryan, but noticeably absent from the entire period of competition was the Coordinator of Sport- Mr. Nelson Hillocks.
He never saw it fit to grace the venue with his presence and gave no explanation, leading to much speculation. Maybe he believes the sport is for females only, hence, showing up may have classified him as someone condoning what he considers to be wrong?
This raises an even more pertinent question: If such is the case, how can the chief sports administrator, a representative of the government and one who is well aware of the Olympic Charter, take such a stance? How can one who holds such a position not show support for Netball in its quest to become an Olympic sport?
It is certainly not the kind of leadership we need now or for the future.
Sports lover and developer
