Caribbean Netball Association honours rich legacy of the sport at golden jubilee gala

The Caribbean Netball Association (CAN) recently celebrated its golden jubilee with a gala to mark 50 years of fostering netball excellence throughout the region.

The event, which took place at the Sandals Grande Ballroom in Saint Lucia over the weekend, was sponsored by interCaribbean Airlines. The gala was a grand affair that attracted netball enthusiasts, sports personalities, and dignitaries alike.

Rufina Paul, president of both the CNA and the Saint Lucia Netball Association, shed light on the foundation and evolution of the CNA, tracing its origins to 1954 when the West Indies Netball Board of Control was established with the primary objective of nurturing and advancing netball across the West Indies.

The highlight of the night was the tribute paid to four stalwarts whose unwavering dedication and pivotal contributions played a great role in shaping the CNA into a powerhouse of netball excellence.

Their tireless efforts, strategic vision and passion for the sport have not only elevated netball to unprecedented heights, but also inspired countless generations of netball enthusiasts across the Caribbean.

One of the awardees, longstanding Barbadian sports administrator Kathy Harper-Hall underscored the essence of giving selflessly without expecting reciprocity.

“I see my life as a life of giving to others without receiving, but it is amazing to see what I have received unexpectedly – including tonight,” said Harper-Hall, who served as CNA president for 20 years and has also held the position of president of the Barbados Netball Association.

The gala, a harmonious blend of celebration, reflection, and camaraderie, not only honoured the rich legacy of netball in the Caribbean but also heralded a promising future filled with continued excellence, inclusivity, and sportsmanship across the region.