NWC2019 presents plans to INF Congress in Gaborone, Botswana

At the International Netball Federation Congress which took place in Gaborone, Botswana, England Netball CEO Joanna Adams presented plans and progress for NWC2019 to the 90-strong delegates from the INF’s five global regions.

INF Congress also featured a keynote speech from Commonwealth Games Federation President Louise Martin CBE, who said of the INF:  “It is your generosity, your inspiring and diverse outreach programme, your commitment to communities and empowerment off the court that set you apart as a Federation.  This clearly aligns with the core values of the Commonwealth Sports Movement as a whole – creating peaceful, sustainable and prosperous communities through sport.”

Ugandan Netball Captain, Peace Proscovia, also addressed Congress, telling her incredibly moving story of her journey through netball and the challenges faced by young girls in her country and the cultural boundaries in their way.

The theme of women’s empowerment continued with the signing of the Declaration of Women in Sport by the International Working Group for Women in Sport (IWG).  The IWG, which is based in Gaborone, invited delegates and observers from each INF Member country to sigh the Brighton Plus Declaration on Women in Sport.

The overall aim of the IWG is to develop a sporting culture that enables and values the full involvement of women in every aspect of sport and physical activity.  IWG Host Co-Chairperson Ruth Maphorisa (pictured with INF President Molly Rhone) addressed Congress before the mass signing.

Liverpool will be the hosts of the INF’s next Congress which will be held in 2019 prior to NWC2019.

Lindsay Impett, Netball World Cup 2019 Operations Manager said:  “With just over two years to go, we are pleased with our progress to date and look forward to welcoming the INF and international netball community to Liverpool to enjoy both our fantastic event and incredible city.”