The Honourable Thapelo Olopeng, Minister of Youth Empowerment, Sport & Culture Development who welcomed guests to the Draw said: “Participation of young women in this World Cup is an encouraging sign for us to steadfastly continue our efforts of providing sport programmes that nurture, empower and develop our youth. We cannot underestimate sport as a vital activity for the holistic development of our young people because it fosters their physical, social and emotional health.” 

INF President, the Honourable Molly Rhone, OJ, CD, thanked the Minister and the Government of Botswana for their support and commitment to the first ever Netball World Youth Cup and said: “One of the key strategies for the International Netball Federation over the next four years is to ensure our audiences, fans, teams and broadcasters enjoy thrilling world class events. I have no doubt that Botswana will make this a truly spectacular event.”

She further added: “I am also certain that this event will enthuse and inspire more young people to play our great sport and leave a lasting legacy, which will grow and develop netball and create an even further positive impact on many young people and their communities.”

The Draw was introduced by Tebogo Lebotse Sebego, President of Netball World Youth Cup hosts, Botswana Netball Association (BONA). She said:“For BONA, the inspiration to host the Netball World Youth Cup came from the Cook Islands Games in 2009 when they hosted the World Championships. When we put in the bid, we knew that we were punching above our weight but as a small nation with great ambitions, punching above our weight is our inspiration. 

“It is really pleasing to be at the point of conducting a Draw and it’s amazing that Botswana is drawn into the same pool as Cook Islands.”
Prisca Mokgadi, Chair Person for the Local Organising Committee, also addressed the audience, saying: “It is a real honour for me to be Chairing the Local Organising Committee for this prestigious event. This is a great opportunity for Botswana and we look forward to delivering a world class event.”

The Draw concluded with the unveiling by the INF President of the spectacular new Netball World Youth Cup trophy.

Ends

For further information, please contact: Nikki Richardson, INF Media and Communications Lead: inf@netball.org / 44 61 234 6515.

International Netball Federation

Over 20 million people play netball around the world, in more than 80 countries.

The International Netball Federation (INF) is the sole, internationally recognised, governing body for netball, affiliated to the SportAccord (formerly known as General Association of International Sports Federations), the International World Games Association and the Association of Recognised Sports Federations, receiving funding from the International Olympic Committee.

Currently, 73 National Netball Associations are affiliated to the INF, grouped into five Regions – Africa, Asia, Americas, Europe and Oceania – each with a respective Regional Federation.