ECCB Demonstrates Commitment to Development of Young Minds Through Sports

Basseterre, St Kitts, 10th July 2013 — The Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB) continues to demonstrate its commitment to promoting excellence in sports among the region’s young women through its sponsorship of the 2013 OECS/ECCB Under-23 Netball Tournament, which will be held in Antigua and Barbuda from 6 – 11 July.

The ECCB has been the official sponsor of the tournament since 1991. The Bank’s contribution to this regional sporting event over the years demonstrates its commitment to the development of young minds through sports; its belief in the importance of sports to the social and physical development of the region’s young women; and the potential of the competition to promote the Bank’s vision of regional integration.

Antigua and Barbuda	Grenada

Each year, the ECCB collaborates with the OECS Secretariat to stage the tournament in conjunction with the designated host netball association. Seven teams will compete in this year’s tournament: Antigua and Barbuda, The Commonwealth of Dominica, Grenada, Montserrat, St Kitts, Saint Lucia and St Vincent and the Grenadines.

Defending champion, Team St Vincent and the Grenadines, which has won the tournament 13 times, is ready to defend its title. According to the team’s coach Godfred Harry, “Everything is in place for the defense of the title. We are working very hard to bring it back.”

Montserrat	St Kitts

Chairperson of the organizing committee of the Antigua and Barbuda Netball Association, Carol-Jean George says the tournament will be compact and competitive. All the matches will be played at the YMCA Complex, St John’s.

In 1999, the ECCB incorporated a personal development component into the tournament, with the aim of enhancing the netballers’ interpersonal and professional skills. The topic for this year’s session is: Professional Acumen – Managing Your Finances, Good Work Ethics and a Career in Banking. Mrs. Stephanie Burke, Acting Country Manager, CIBC FirstCaribbean International Bank, Antigua and Barbuda will share her experience and engage the netballers in a discussion on the topic.

Saint Lucia	St Vincent and the Grenadines

The 2013 OECS/ECCB Under-23 Netball Tournament will open with a candlelight ceremony and cocktail reception hosted by the Governor General of Antigua and Barbuda, Dame Louise Lake-Tack.

The Winners of the OECS Under-23 Netball Tournament since 1991 are as follows: