JNA boss wants more for Sunshine Girls

Robert Bailey, Gleaner Writer

With less than two weeks to go before the Sunshine Girls depart for the World Netball Championships (WNC) in Singapore, president of the Jamaica Netball Association (JNA), Marva Bernard, said her administration is still in need of funds to assist with the team's overall expenses.

In an interview following the hosting of their Sunshine Evening fund-raising concert on Sunday, Bernard appealed to corporate Jamaica to get on board and support the Sunshine Girls.

"We are still seeking funds because we have about a $2 million shortfall now for clothing, travel care, the match gear and money to spend when we are over there," said Bernard following the concert, which was held at the University of the West Indies Assembly Hall.

Bernard continued: "People can call the JNA office to make a donation, we have things in the supermarkets that they can purchase to assist us because we really need everybody to get on board."

The national netballers are scheduled to leave the island on June 26 for the championships, which will be held from July 3-10.

tough task

The Jamaicans will enter the world championships as the number fourth-ranked team in the world, and in order for them to get to the final they may have to get past defending champions and second-rated Australia in the semi-finals. However, despite the tough task, Bernard stated that she is quite confident that the girls can pull it off.

"We believe that we have it in us to play in the final and we are going all out," said Bernard. "The girls are making a lot of sacrifices, and yes, we I think we can win," she said.

"We have done the work and the work is still being done and so we just ask everybody to pray for us, give us your love and support and just stand behind the Sunshine Girls along this journey," Bernard added.

The patrons were entertained at the concert with performances from Beenie Man, D'Angel, Jimmy Riley, Dwight Richards, Pam Hall, Tony Rebel and Ian Andrews.

Bernard stated that she was very pleased with turnout and thanked everyone for supporting the event.

"It was a fantastic evening because all of these performers came on board to support the Sunshine Girls, and every year it is getting bigger and better," she said. "Jamaican people love excellence and support excellence, and that is why these performers have come here tonight."