The International Federation of Netball Associations (IFNA) President, Mrs Molly Rhone, received the Order of Jamaica at the Jamaica National Honours and Awards Ceremony at King’s House on National Heroes Day, October 17.

In 1999 the government of Jamaica awarded her the Order of Distinction for her work in netball but she has now received the country’s fourth highest honour, the Order of Jamaica, for services locally and internationally in Sports Administration, in particular netball.

Molly served as Jamaica Netball Association (JNA) President from 1993 until 2003 and represented Jamaica in the World Netball Championships (WNC) in 1967 and 1975.

Molly is the only Jamaican to head an international sporting body, has been IFNA’s President since 2003 and is the longest serving President to date.  From 1999 to 2003 she served as IFNA Vice President and between 1997 and 2003 she was responsible for the bidding, planning, organisation and successful hosting of the eleventh World Netball Championships held in Jamaica.

Molly is absolutely thrilled to receive the Order: “It is a great honour. As I always say, when we serve we don’t serve to be recognised, we serve out of love and passion, and we do appreciate it when we are recognised.”

Congratulations from all at IFNA and on behalf of Members, netballers, officials and fans around the world thank you for what you do for netball year after year. Your lifetime dedication and passion is a guiding light for our sport.