The Jamaica Netball Association (JNA) has named Gilbert as the official and exclusive ball and kit supplier, for all JNA events.

In a release Marva Bernard, president of the JNA, said she was very pleased to be associated with Gilbert.

"I am very excited about what must certainly be considered a hallmark agreement for the JNA. This relationship will be very beneficial to the association and to the island's netball programme.

"Gilbert recognises the potential and value of netball and to support it in this way is extremely encouraging and augurs well for the future. My gracious thanks to Gilbert and I feel that this is the start of big things to come on stream for the nation's netball."

Richard Gray, sales and marketing director of Gilbert, said: "We are delighted and honoured to have been awarded this contract as Jamaica is a major force player in world netball. The sport is now a major focus for the Gilbert organisation and we look to working with the JNA and with Wilco Sports who will be distributing the Gilbert netball range in Jamaica."

The Gilbert netball is also the official ball of the 2007 World Championships in New Zealand, and is now the choice of many leading clubs and national bodies worldwide, including Australia, South Africa and Scotland and Wales.