Wales Netball
March 22, 2018
Welsh Netball was proud to bid farewell to its 2018 Commonwealth Games squad on Tuesday 20 March. The team, families, friends, fans and Welsh Netball staff gathered at the SSE Swalec Stadium to witness the squad being presented with their official Commonwealth Games dresses.
Sarah Jones, Welsh Netball CEO welcomed the guests to the evening and spoke about the pride and honour of representing Wales at the Commonwealth Games. She reflected on the squad’s importance as role models for women and girls in sport across Wales.
Welsh Netball was pleased to then welcome Ryan Jones, former Wales rugby captain and British & Irish Lion to the stage. Ryan spoke about the significance of representing Wales and how players must relish the opportunity to face some of the best teams in the world.
Guests were then treated to a video compilation of good luck messages from family, friends and clubs. There were laughter and tears in equal measure as people from every corner of the Welsh nation wished the team the very best for the tournament.
Following this, Suzy Drane, Wales captain took to the stage to express her and team’s thanks for all the work of staff, volunteers and family. She was then joined by Interim Head Coach, Julie Hoornweg who spoke about her passion for the sport of netball.
Squad members were then presented with their dresses by Ryan Jones and Welsh Netball Vice-President, Sheila Cooksley. The athletes later described the symbolism of the dresses and how they reflect team values going into what promises to most competitive Commonwealth Games yet.
Welsh Netball would like to thank its sponsors: USW, Ace Feet in Motion, Orthotix, Gilbert, Physique Management, Player Layer and Nacsport for their support leading up to the 2018 Commonwealth Games. Thanks are also due to Cricket Wales for sponsoring the presentation facility.
Friday will mark #WeAreRed #CymryCoch Day. On this day we will be featuring videos of support and good luck from clubs and fans across Wales via our social media platforms.
