Netball players spread some festive cheer at a special Christmas tournament - and helped to raise much-needed funds for a charity.
Teams from across the North East took part in the Christmas Cracker netball event, held at Sports Central, Northumbria University, to raise money for The Chronicle Sunshine Fund. The charity helps to transform the lives of young people with disabilities.
During the competition, organised by England Netball North East, players donned Santa hats, reindeer headbands and even wings and halos to get into the festive spirit. Christmas tunes were played across the PA system as the teams played - the two with the most points then faced each other in the final.
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There was a prize for the best dressed players and it was won by a Riverside Ladies team, who played all games as Rudolf. A total of 11 teams took part in the tournament, a mixture of corporate groups and grassroots netball teams from across the region.
Teams included Ernst and Young, North of Tyne Combined authority and Ward Hadaway. The final was between UNW Wealth Management and a Gateshead team. Gateshead won after a tight game and were presented with a trophy.
The event raised more than £1,100 through admission fees and a raffle. The Sunshine Fund also announced that in February 2023, the charity will host its first inclusive netball festival in partnership with England Netball at Sports Central.
As part of the festival, children with disabilities from North East schools will be invited to take part in the free event, where games and training sessions will be tailored to their needs, ensuring the festival is open to all. The charity says the event will be the first of its kind, and everyone can take part.
Siobhan Sargeant, charity director, said: "We really enjoyed the Christmas Cracker event. I can't believe how quickly the afternoon went by.
"There was a real buzz across all three courts and whilst everyone was firmly in the Christmas spirit, it was clear to see people's competitive natures. The Chronicle Sunshine Fund team did really well, they managed to win four matches against some really tough competition so they definitely did the charity proud.
"Our finance and admin officer Debbie was our secret weapon. Although she hadn’t played since her school days, Debbie was fierce as goal attack.
"The event raised over £1,100 at a time when all donations to the charity are absolutely vital. People were exceptionally generous and we are looking forward to working with many of these corporate teams again in various ways in 2023.
"We want to say a huge thank you to all at England Netball for putting on such a great well-run event, and all of their fabulous volunteers who umpired the matches."
Speaking about the upcoming netball festival in February, the charity's family coordinator Bev Wright said: "We have a really exciting opportunity to introduce the wonderful sport of netball to children who have additional needs and disabilities, here in the North East.
"We are planning a first of its kind accessible netball festival with our friends Jade and Gemma and the England Netball volunteers, so not only do the children get to learn about and experience netball but they get the opportunity to be taught by some of our country’s best players and you never know who might ignite their passion for the sport.
"We are sharing this opportunity with our local special schools and ARMS/ARCS providers and after a few conversations I’ve had already there’s an excitement building already. It’s going to be a great chance for the children to learn a new sport and have fun doing it."
The Sunshine Fund provides specialist and adapted equipment for children with disabilities and terminal illnesses that often costs thousands of pounds. This can range from powered wheelchairs and specialist beds to car seats and communication equipment. You can support its work by making a donation here.
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