Netball tournament tribute to Hilary raises funds for centre
MORE players than ever have taken part in a netball tournament in memory of a popular sportswoman and teacher.
They also raised more than £3,000 for Velindre Cancer Centre in Cardiff.
Every year netball teams made up of both women and men, novices and experts, come together to compete for the Hilary Floyd-Ellis Netball Cup at Bridgend Tennis Club.
And 2017’s tournament on July 29 was the fifth annual event and the biggest yet with 20 teams and 187 players.
Hilary’s daughter Victoria Floyd-Ellis helps to organise the event.
Hilary died in January 2011, following a five-year on-off battle with cancer.
A teacher of more than 30 years at Ogmore Comprehensive School, 53-year-old Hilary dedicated much of her spare time to the sports she loved most – netball and tennis – and Victoria believes the day is a fun and touching tribute to her late mum.
She said: “Congratulations to our new winners, Ogmore Netball.
“This makes the day a little more special as mum played at Ogmore Netball for a number of years and taught a lot of the team, so I know she would be seriously proud with that result, especially as they won in a penalty shoot out following the final which finished 10-10.
“Runners up were The Rascals and other semifinalists included Maesteg Mambas and The Loft Lounge’
“Other teams were made up of boys/girls from lots of local sporting clubs, with some from afar including Rhydyfelin Netball, Durham University and even further – Doha Dragons.
“As a family we are very grateful to everyone who supports this day. It is very special to see so many people come along each year to celebrate mum’s life and to raise funds for such an important cause.
“Mum was always one to get people involved in all types of sport and the fact she is still doing that now she’s not with us just proves her character.
“Mum was a sports teacher at Ogmore Comprehensive School for over 30 years; she first represented Wales in the Under-21 netball squad and went on to coach county netball for over 10 years; hence this is such a fitting tribute.”
Supporters raised £2,050 for Velindre Can- cer Centre, plus £1,000 is being donated by Barclays Bank.