Scarborough Secondary School emerged as the victors in the senior, open and inter-schools in the knockout divisions when the BPTT/ Tobago Zone of the T&T Secondary Schools Netball League held its awards function to recognised the top performers during a ceremony at the Shaw Park Complex, Scarborough last week.
It was a tough fight between Bishop's High School and Scarborough Secondary Schools. Bishop's took the junior knockout title as well as the overall champions in the Under-14 and Under-16 league competitions, while Signal Hill Secondary copped victory in the Under-19 division.
Chairman of the bpTT Tobago Netball Zone Executive, Theophilus told the gathering: "It is always special for us because we get to acknowledge and reward the exceptional performances of our talented student athletes.
"It is our belief that we are the lead zone in terms of achievement in netball nationally and this is made possible by the high quality of our players. You have all made us very proud."
Re-energised 15 years ago, the Tobago league has been sponsored by energy company BP T&T, with extensive support from the Division of Education, Youth Affairs and Sport (DEYAS) of the Tobago House of Assembly.
During his feature address, Assemblyman Huey Cadette, Secretary of Education, Youth Affiars and Sport, THA said: "I applaud you for your hard work and commitment and you are the embodiment of this league's motto that 'discipline and dedication lead to excellence'.
"One aspect of school is enjoying the fun and carefree days, and I hope that you enjoy these moments. But even as you do so, you have to ensure that this time is also time well spent.
"I challenge you to step up to your responsibility as the next generation of Tobagonians as we address issues like self-governance.
"You have to ensure that you become the leaders that Tobago needs."
As part of its support of the competition, bpTT has established a Bursary Award System to advance the development of netballers who excel in both academics and athletics.
The top achievers this season were Kelelicia George (under-14) of Bishop's High School, Demisha Henry (under-16) and Lakita Hall (under-19), both of Scarborough Secondary School.
Joel Primus, Community Sustainability and Stakeholder Relations Advisor, bpTT said: "I have to commend the hard work that goes into making this league the success that it is.
"I would like to thank the players, coaches, teachers, principals and parents for their commitment and I want to especially commend the Tobago Zone Executive for their tireless dedication to youth development.
"You all are validation of bpTT's credo that investment in young people is the greatest contribution we could ever make to ensure the sustainability of our nation's future."
Special awards were presented to Bishop's High School and Signal Hill Secondary School for emerging as national champions in the under-14 and under-19 divisions, respectively, of the 2015/16 Champion of Champions Tournament hosted in Mayaro, Trinidad, last November.
Meanwhile, bursary recipient, Demisha Henry, a Form Five student of Scarborough Secondary School said: "Playing netball in this league is exciting and fulfilling and it felt so good to achieve this honour.
"I gained a lot of discipline from playing netball and my hard work on the court and in the classroom is really paying off.
"I'm writing CSEC exams this year and I expect to do well because next I'll be pursuing the Certificate in Sports Studies at the University of Trinidad and Tobago.
"My long-term goal is to have a career that enables me to work with young people in developing their talents. This bursary from bpTT will go a long way in helping me to achieve that dream."