Shooter Fowler-Reid adopted by NCB
NATIONAL COMMERCIAL Bank (NCB) has joined the corporate companies that have offered to give the Sunshine Girls a helping hand in their push for glory at next month’s Netball World Cup in Australia.
On Wednesday, the bank announced that it had adopted goal shooter Jhaniele Fowler-Reid in a presentation ceremony at the National Arena.
NCB, which has a long history of supporting and sponsoring the Sunshine Girls, splashed out $930,000 to provide for the Southern Steel star’s needs while participating in the World Championships Down Under in August.
In return, Fowler-Reid will be an ambassador for the bank’s Excellence JA programme, which aims to showcase NCB’s commitment and support to sports, youth and education.
“I am overwhelmed, elated to be an ambassador for NCB. They are a wonderful organisation, and for them to stick out for me and my organisation, the Sunshine Girls, I am proud and honoured to be a part of their team,” the six feet, six inches shooter said.
Over the past two decades, NCB has assisted Netball Jamaica in refurbishing its office, sponsored international series, raised funds, paid players’ school fees, and was instrumental in bringing Australia’s top-rated coach, Jill McIntosh, here.
Belinda Williams, manager of corporate communications at NCB, said they remained strong supporters of the national netball programme and could not ignore the ladies’ call for more assistance.
Netball Jamaica President Marva Bernard praised NCB for its continued support but said the drive to raise funds goes on.
“This is huge. We spoke to NCB weeks ago when we realised the gap was still too wide, and they tentatively said yes, and we pencilled it in, and now it’s in ink. We are going to continue to raise money until we come back from the Netball World Cup, as it is a huge spend, and every day something new comes up,” she said.