Bermuda’s return to international netball after an eight-year hiatus received a boost when Chancery Legal chipped in to sponsor the team.

The sponsorship from the legal firm comes as the island’s senior team are preparing to depart for matches in St Eustatius and St Maarten from October 21 to 26.

In announcing the support, Chancery Legal stated that the gesture was a show of encouragement for staff member Zakiya Durham, who is a member of the national team.

“We decided to support Netball Bermuda because of our very own office junior, Zakiya Durham,” Chancery Legal said.

“She was selected, along with other talented women, to represent Bermuda in the Battle of the Isles tournament in St Eustatius and St Maarten.

“Our Zakiya previously participated in the USA Under-21 International Development Series in 2021, where Bermuda went undefeated. She is a rising star and we are so proud of her.

“Upon speaking to coach Kimale Evans, we were advised that Bermuda’s participation in this tournament is extremely profound and will affect our world ranking.

“Our last official ranking was in 2020, when we were ranked 35th. Our highest ranking was in 2017 when we were ranked 28th. Also, we were aware that Netball Bermuda was hosting several fundraisers to be able to participate and travel to the tournament. So we thought, ‘Why not?’”

Kimale Evans, the Netball Bermuda president who is co-coaching the team with Anthony Mouchette, spoke of what the tour means to the squad.

“Netball Bermuda is excited to return to international competition after a hiatus of eight years,” Evans told The Royal Gazette.

“For the past four months we have been working extremely hard, both on the court and behind the scenes to make this tour a reality.

“Despite us running into numerous challenges and having limited funds, the commitment from the training squad and coaches proved now was the time for this to take place.

“What some may not understand is that this tour means more to us than just regaining our world ranking, but creating change within our organisation and membership, fostering ambassadors to lead in our efforts for change.

“We have just about reached our goal of raising $75,000 to make this dream a reality, with our last tour coming in 2017.

“We needed to purchase everything brand-new, from equipment to uniforms, to align with Bermuda's national colours of pink, blue and white.”

Evans revealed that the workload had been intense, with many people putting tireless efforts to bring the tour to fruition.

“Our executive has put in countless hours working behind the scenes to ungodly hours in the morning brainstorming on how to make this a reality, completing all administrative tasks required while managing their personal lives,” Evans said.

“With that being said, the dream is now a reality and we expect nothing but greatness from this group, no matter what the outcome may be.

“We would like to give a big thank-you to the Department of Sport and Recreation, and the Ministry of Tourism, Transport, Culture and Sport for their continued support.

“Community partners Eastern County Cricket Association and the St George’s Cricket Club bingo committee, in addition to our corporate donors, Belco, Chancery Legal and Strykz Bowling Lounge.

“We welcome the support from everyone, be it a company or individual willing and wanting to be a part of our dream.

• Those wishing to contribute can contact Netball Bermuda at bdanetball@hotmail.com, via a direct Facebook message to @Netball Bermuda or Instagram @bdanetball