09 January 2009
Netball as never seen before
The World Netball Series will take place at the MEN Arena from
the 9 -11th October after a great deal of development over the last
12 months to create a netball competition with the ‘wow’
factor.
In the space of three hours spectators will witness some of the
world’s greatest netball promising a fast, ferocious and vibrant
competition in an aim to raise the profile of the sport and attract
new participants and spectators.
With a number of innovative rule changes the new format will
test the fitness, technical ability and tactical awareness of the
best players in the world. Each game will be played over four six
minute quarters and promises to be high energy and an awesome
spectacle.
The series will involve the world’s top six netball nations,
England, Australia, New Zealand, Jamaica, Samoa and Malawi, in
association with IFNA, Manchester City Council, England Netball,
Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA) and UK Sport.
Molly Rhone IFNA President, said: “This is a fantastic
opportunity for us to further showcase our sport to the world and
we are eagerly looking forward to October when we welcome the top
six teams to Manchester. It is a moment in history for us, as it is
the first time the best teams from all around the globe will gather
to compete in a new faster format of netball.
“This event promises three days packed with action, excitement
and drama. We envisage that everybody who experiences a match,
either on TV or at the MEN Arena will be truly entertained and will
love this new international competition."
Councillor Mike Amesbury, Executive Member for Culture and
Leisure at Manchester City Council, said: “Manchester, as the home
to the international federation IFNA, is delighted to be hosting
this world class event and to be welcoming the very best netball
nations to the city. We are committed to making the World Netball
Series a huge success whilst ensuring that our residents and
communities benefit from the opportunities that this event will
create.”
Paul Clark, CEO of England Netball said: “The increased activity
in the netball calendar will inject new life into netball and I am
delighted that the first Series will take place in the UK. The
World Netball Series will be a competition played by strong,
confident and inspirational women to motivate and empower young
people to get active across the world.”
Peter Mearns, Executive Director of Marketing and Communications
at the NWDA said: "The NWDA is delighted to have been involved in
bringing such a high-profile event to Manchester. Netball is one of
the key sports at the Commonwealth Games and this event will
provide opportunities for preparations for Delhi in 2010 and
Glasgow in 2014.
“The World Netball Series will further profile Manchester and
the Northwest as international sport destinations and will make a
significant contribution to the regional economy.”
Clare Hartley, Events consultant for UK Sport said: “We are
excited to be supporting this new fast paced version of netball in
Manchester later this year. A key Commonwealth Games sport, this
initiative will be one of the most important events on the
international netball calendar."
-Ends-
For further information please contact Hannah Bryce
pgk Public Relations
e: hbryce@pgkadvertising.co.uk
t: 01423 523000
Notes to editors
The International Federation of Netball Associations (IFNA)
IFNA is the sole, recognised, international governing body for
netball, affiliated to the General Association of International
Sports Federations, the International World Games Association and
the Association of Recognised Sports Federations, which receives
funding from the International Olympic Committee.
Currently, over 60 National Netball Associations are affiliated
to IFNA, grouped into 5 Regions - Africa, Asia, Americas, Europe
and Oceania - each with a respective Regional Federation. Regional
Federations are an integral part of the global governance structure
and assist in the implementation of IFNA polices and development of
the sport in respective regions.
The Secretariat of IFNA is based in Manchester and has a small
staff of three. It is one of the few International Federations
still operating from within the UK.
Manchester City Council, Major Sports Events:
Manchester is proud to have been voted the world's leading Sport
City in 2008, recognition for the city's commitment to delivering a
comprehensive sporting programme that connects major events to
community sport, elite performance, facility development,
volunteering, training and education. The World Netball Series is
one of a number of major events being hosted in Manchester in 2009
which, whilst supporting the objectives of our key national and
regional partners, will continue to provide the city and its
residents with opportunities to achieve their full potential
through sport.
England Netball
England Netball is the National Governing Body responsible for
the organisation and promotion of Netball in England. It is a
company limited by guarantee and comprises of approximately 3,000
Clubs and some 68,000 affiliated members. The Association is
governed by a voluntary Board of 11 people including the Chief
Executive Officer, seven of who are elected by the Membership and
three appointed for their specialised expertise. The Chief
Executive reports to the Board and is responsible, with the
professional staff, for the implementation of policy and the
management of the Association. The game is largely driven by
the efforts of many volunteers operating at a national, regional,
county and community level.
The Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA) leads the
economic development and regeneration of England's Northwest and is
responsible for:
Supporting business growth and encouraging investment
Matching skills provision to employer needs
Creating the conditions for economic growth
Connecting the region through effective transport and communication
infrastructure
Promoting the region’s outstanding quality of life
As part of its work to support these objectives, the NWDA
works with partners to secure world-class events, which are
distinctive and capable of attracting large numbers of visitors
from outside the region and which significantly enhance the
profile of the region. www.nwda.co.uk
UK Sport
The World Netball Series has been part funded by UK Sport’s
National Lottery-funded World Class Events Programme, which aims to
secure events of strategic importance that deliver a range of
lasting benefits. These include economic, social and cultural
benefits as well as improving sporting performance by home
athletes, encouraging participation and leaving a legacy of
facilities and development initiatives. Over 120 sporting events
have been staged in the UK through the programme since 1997. More
at www.uksport.gov.uk