Netball: Donations helped Jamaica get to Netball World Cup

Jamaica celebrate after winning the bronze medal match at the Commonwealth Games. Photo / Hannah Peters / Getty Images

Jamaica, the world's fourth-ranked team, had to rely on public donations back home to help get them to the World Cup in Sydney.

The team, which features ANZ Championship stars Romelda Aiken and Jhaniele Fowler-Reid, arrived in Sydney yesterday following a five-day training camp in Canberra.

Speaking at last night's official World Cup launch at Sydney's Luna Park, Jamaican captain Nicole Aiken-Pinnock said her side would not be at the event without the last minute support they received from sponsors and private donations.

In mid-June Netball Jamaica made a plea to their supporters via their Facebook page, calling for donations from the public via text or credit card.

"We've cut. We've carved. With less than 50 days to the Netball World Cup, we're short by J$3 million (NZ$40,000)," the post read.

Fans rallied behind the team, while small businesses also chipped in to help.

"It took a while for sponsors to come on board, but in the end we got lots of support from back home and we really do appreciate them. They made it possible for us to be at this championship and we need to take something back to show them," said Aiken-Pinnock, the older sister of star shooter Romelda.

The plights of the Jamaicans, considered one of the heavyweights of world netball, is sadly indicative of the lack of resources in the global game.

With two of the world's best shooters at their disposal, the Sunshine Girls are expected to be a dangerous force in Sydney.

The pool B meeting between Jamaica and England on day two of the tournament will provide a strong gauge of where their title hopes sit.

Jamaica will meet Samoa tomorrow morning in the opening clash of the tournament, before the official opening ceremony that night.