Netball World Cup 2023 has revealed Gilbert Netball as the Official Ball Supplier of the Netball World Cup Cape Town 2023 (NWC2023).
Cape Town South Africa will be hosting the NWC2023, bringing the tournament to the African continent for the first time in history.
Among the guests who revealed the Official Match Ball were the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Hon. Nathi Mthethwa and Netball South Africa President and World Netball Board Director, Ms. Cecilia Molokwane who said “It was a dream that led us here and I am delighted that we have finally won the bid to host the Netball World Cup 2023.
“It is time for Africa, netball players, and every child who loves the sport to shine.
“We are definitely taking netball back to the people as we prepare for the upcoming tournament.”
Speaking on the excitement of the event, taking place in Cape Town from the 28th July to 6th August 2023, World Netball CEO Clare Briegal added: “With less than a year to go until the Netball World Cup 2023, it is fantastic to see the look and feel of the event begin to come to life through the launch of the match ball, created by World Netball’s Official Ball Supplier, Gilbert Netball.
“The Netball World Cup 2023 will showcase the beauty of South Africa to the Netball Family, and the sunset colours used on the ball capture the warmth of the welcome they will receive.
“I am excited by the #RoadToCapeTown campaign and seeing the branding come to life.”
For the upcoming tournament, Gilbert, one of the biggest manufacturers and brands in sport, has designed a match ball that epitomises the event branding element. The Official Gilbert Match Ball for the Netball World Cup 2023 is called “Kganye.”
Richard Gray CEO Commercial at Gilbert Netball said “Everyone at Gilbert is excited to have been chosen as the Official Ball for Netball World Cup 2023, our 5th consecutive tournament.
“South Africa is one of our most important markets and we look forward to working closely with all stakeholders to help to maximise the impact of what is sure to be a landmark event in the netball calendar – the first time the Netball World Cup has been held in South Africa.
“Having been involved as official supplier to the 1995 Rugby World Cup we are confident that it will be a huge success for all concerned and will also be a major boost for the growth of netball in the region”.
Several netball activities were rolled out during the launch event to build excitement for the upcoming Netball World Cup Qualifier – Africa, in Pretoria and the NWC2023, including exhibition netball matches for various schools which were organised by the NWC2023 legacy programme team during the unveiling to inspire and motivate netballers.
“We are truly excited to welcome the world to South Africa. The preparations are well underway to ensure that all teams, spectators and fans around the world will experience a uniquely South African World Cup, said Tournament Director, Ms Priscilla Masisi.
In preparation for hosting this major sporting event for the first time in South Africa and Africa, much preparation has been done. The Official Match Ball unveiling was a success, ensuring the road to the NWC2023 continues to gain momentum.
“This Netball World Cup has a special significance, particularly at this moment when we are celebrating the positive role played by women in our society. Various continents will benefit from this tournament as it will offer opportunities to many women, teach them values, and enable them to dream big,” concludes Nathi Mthethwa, Minister of Sport, Arts, and Culture.
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World Netball:
World Netball is the sole, internationally recognised governing body for netball affiliated to GAISF, the International World Games Association and the Association of Recognised International Sports Federations (ARISF), receiving funding from the International Olympic Committee.
World Netball creates a better world through netball, inspiring netballers to embrace opportunities and achieve their potential. Netball is played in more than 100 countries around the world with 78 National Netball Associations affiliated to World Netball. The associations are grouped into five Regions – Africa Netball, Americas Netball, Asia Netball, Europe Netball and Oceania Netball – each with a respective Regional Federation. Regional Federations are an integral part of the global governance structure and assist in the development and implementation of World Netball’s Strategy To Grow, To Play, To Inspire, policies and the development of the sport in their respective regions.
The Netball World Cup (NWC), previously known as the World Netball Championships is netball’s flagship event owned by World Netball, and it brings together the top 16 teams in the world every four years. The hosts of the NWC automatically qualify for the competition, as well as the top five teams in the World Netball World Rankings on the date of qualification. The remaining 10 teams are decided through qualifiers in World Netball’s 5 regions, as the top two teams from each qualifier will be invited by World Netball to compete at the NWC. The NWC, which first started in 1963, showcases netball around the world through a range of broadcast partners introducing Netball to a whole new audience. World Netball Congress is also held alongside the event providing a global forum for Netball nations to come together, innovate, share ideas and celebrate women in sport. The Netball World Cup 2023 will be held in Cape Town, South Africa from the 28th July to the 6th August 2023 at the International Convention Centre.
For more information visit www.worldnetball.sport
Gilbert
Gilbert was established in 1823 as the longest-serving rugby brand in existence. Just prior to the new millennium, Gilbert adapted its unique ball technology and design into the original Synergie Netball and entered its first Netball World Cup in 1995. In 2005 it was chosen by the International Netball Federation (now World Netball) as its official ball for all World Competitions; a position it still holds today. Gilbert Netball remains a family run business at the heart of the game; trusted by the Global netball family to provide the best innovative products & support to enable players to perform to their full potential.
2023 will be Gilbert’s 7th Netball World Cup as the official ball provider.
Keep up to date with all Gilbert Netball news on @GilbertNetball
For more information go to www.gilbertnetball.com
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