THE EDITOR, Sir:
THE FOLLOWING is in response to a letter, which appeared under the caption 'INSPORTS Please Explain' published in your Gleaner publication of Wednesday, December 3, 2003, from Jennifer Barrett of Portmore.
On Friday, November 26, 2003, the Institute of Sports (INSPORTS) sponsored a Netball 'One-Day Rally' for schools in St. Catherine. The rally was held at the G.C. Foster College. The date stated in Ms. Barrett's letter of Wednesday, November 19 is either incorrect or she is referring to another event.
A total of 23 schools, including primary, junior and secondary schools, participated in the rally. The competition was conducted in two age categories, Under-13 and Under-15 years.
The teams were classified based on age groups and not in any school category. Therefore, all Under-13 teams would compete together regardless of the school affiliations. This was the procedure under which the schools were advised and agreed that the rally competition would be conducted.
All-primary teams competed in the Under-13 age category and at no time in the day's proceedings did they compete in the Under-15 age group.
Please note that the 'One-Day Rally' was not the Primary Schools Netball Competition which is conducted under different rules. This competition started on December 1, 2003. The primary schools netball competition is conducted on a school league basis and only primary schools are eligible to take part.
It must also be noted that Sports Officers representing the Institute of Sports (INSPORTS) and responsible for the running of the competition were present throughout the day's proceedings.
The comment that no officials were available to provide explanation is not valid.
It is the policy of INSPORTS to promote sporting programmes that cater to the positive development of our young boys and girls. The rules and conduct of our competitions are always in line with the required standard and never designed to undermine their development.
I am, etc.,
ELAINE WALKER-BROWN
Sports Officer, St. Catherine
INSPORTS
