Ministry provides Sunshine Girls boost
Published:Wednesday | September 6, 2023 | 12:12 AM
JAMAICA’S SUNSHINE Girls will be the recipients of $6.1 million.
The sum comes from the coffers of the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport and the announcement made by its boss, Olivia ‘Babsy’ Grange, yesterday as the Sunshine Girls made a courtesy call there.
The funds are to be divided by players and staff who helped the girls to a bronze medal at the World Cup in South Africa last month.
Each player will receive $300,000, while members of the management team will get $200,000 and other backroom staff members, $100,000.
The minister also belatedly announced that members of the netball team to the Central American and Caribbean team will be awarded as well.
She revealed there will be a congratulatory ceremony for the Sunshine Girls, the Reggae Girlz and the female volleyball teams, who all had historic achievements this year.
After outlining the Sunshine Girls’ achievements since they started international netball in 1959, including participating in every Netball World Cup, having never finished below sixth, and finishing third in four (1991, 2003, 2007 and 2023), she said they deserve to be rewarded.
“This year at the World Cup in South Africa, they did so again. They have played at the Commonwealth, winning a bronze in 2002, 2014 and 2018 and Silver in England in 2022.
“They created history at the 2023 CAC Games, winning the gold medal in the inaugural playing of netball. So there is no doubt about it, netball is the most successful team sport played in Jamaica,” said Grange.
“I want to congratulate the Sunshine Girls, the board and management of Netball Jamaica, on their successes. I want to reiterate my commitment to support netball in Jamaica. But you have worked hard and trained hard and, when you achieve, you should be able to relax.”
In what has been an excellent year in sports for the Caribbean nation, the Reggae Girlz, also progressed to the round of 16 at the Women’s World Cup, while the volleyball team won the CAVOZA championships for the first time, and Grange said there are plans to celebrate the teams.
“I am pleased to announced that I will be hosting a special congratulatory function, to include the Sunshine Girls, the Reggae Girlz and the women’s volleyball team.
“It is about time our women are celebrated. All three teams made history in their respective sporting disciplines.
“We will finalise the date once we work it out with the other teams. I think it is important as women in sports that you connect with each other. Just get to know each other, meet and just feel good about who you are,” she said.
Special presentation for Wilson
Meanwhile, the minister also hinted that Latanya Wilson, whose home was destroyed by fire recently, will receive a special presentation from her ministry today.
Netball Jamaica president Tricia Robinson said the association was extremely grateful for the gesture.
“We are really appreciative of it. We know there are scarce resources but our national teams tend to do well and, when she (Grange) takes the time to reward us, we are extremely grateful,” she said.
Her sentiments were also echoed by captain Jhaniele Fowler, who joined online along with four other players.
“I want to reiterate how much we appreciate this. You have always been there for us. You have always stood up for us. We thank you for your continued support. So we will continue to make you proud and make Jamaica stand tall,” she commented.