A THREE-DAY NETBALL TRAINING WORKSHOP AT SLMA

Netball is one of the most popular sports played by more than 20 million people in over 80 countries in the world. In many Commonwealth nations, the game is widely recognized and a lot of major competitions take place internationally; the Quadrennial World Netball Championships, the Commonwealth Games, Quad Series, Fast5 Series are some of them. It is also a game enjoyed in school and club levels.

Netball, a feature of Army life for many a year is an extremely popular sport in the Army too and it has become immensely successful. In a military perspective, it helps in building confidence, enhancing problem-solving and decision-making skills, building muscle strength and is a great way to keep fit and healthy.

With the intention of promoting passion towards Netball among trainees of Military Academy, Diyatalawa, a three-day workshop from 04^th to 06^th February was held at Academy Gymnasium under supervision and coaching of Mrs Sanjeevani Wanasinghe Peiris, ABF (SL), MBA (UK). Representing Sri Lanka in international tournaments in varied countries like New Zealand , Australia, Brunei, Hong Kong, her team was able to gain a lot of victories for the country; 9^th World Championship in England (1992), Asian Netball Championship in Singapore (1997), Tri Nation Netball Championship in Sri Lanka (1997) and so on. As an energetic figure, she has serviced development of country’s Netball by holding significant positions such as General Secretary of Netball Federation of Sri Lanka (between 2015 & 2016), Member of the National Netball Selection Board (2010 & 2018), Team Manager of Asian Championship Sri Lanka Youth Netball team in Hong Kong (2015), Team Manager of Mercantile Netball Team Invitation Netball Series in Brunei (2015),Team Manager of Mercantile Netball Team National Champions (2014), Hon. Secretary of Mercantile Netball Association (from 2014). The workshop aims at improving their hand-eye coordination, teamwork, flexibility, reaction time and stamina. Lady Cadets of Intake 89B and 17 (V) along with Other Rank instructors and Lady Officers took part in the sessions. The workshop brought them many learning opportunities and it would make them to fall in love with the sport in time to come.