The Bermuda Netball Association will stage the thirteenth instalment of the Harold “Doc” Dowling Tournament on Saturday in what continues to be a fitting tribute to a man who contributed so much to youth sport on the island.

The tournament was originally planned for last weekend, but was postponed because of bad weather.

Dowling was a prominent figure on the sporting scene, having served as president of North Village Community Club for nearly ten years, as well as coaching youth football and softball for more than 20 years.

He was also a familiar face to anyone who played sport at Bernard Park, having run the popular Doc’s Place canteen at the softball diamond.

Before passing away on May 3, 2013 at the age of 68, Dowling was a huge supporter of young people in sport and was known to donate the cost of an airline ticket when a netball team travelled to represent Bermuda abroad.

His overwhelming contribution led to admiration from those involved in sport who regularly came across Dowling, leading to the creation of the first Harold “Doc” Dowling Tournament, held in 2006, in recognition of his support of netball over the years.

The event will feature under-12 and under-16 tournaments taking place at Bernard Park. The eight teams competing over the course of the day are Storm, Phoenix Sparks, NVCC Lady Rams White, NVCC Lady Rams Red, Storm Thunder, Warriors, Storm Lightning, Phoenix Fire.