Sports Minister Olivia Grange has declared herself in full support of Jamaica's Sunshine Girls' bid to become the best team in the world, and vows the Government will do everything possible to make the dream a reality.

"Today, I renew the commitment of the Government to do all that lies within our power to ensure that we achieve the nation's goal of being the top netball country in the world, at all levels," Grange said at a celebratory luncheon for the Jamaica's Under-21 netballers at the Alhambra Inn, following their bronze-medal performance at the just-concluded World Youth Championships in the Cook Islands.

Outstanding start

Following an outstanding start to the competition, the young Sunshine Girls were beaten in the semi-finals by New Zealand.

The team, however, rallied in the third-place play-off to beat England 48-42, an achievement Grange believed was one to be proud of.

"I want to commend every one of you for representing Jamaica so well, for giving of your best and for making all of us proud."

The Jamaicans bettered their performance in the last World Championships in 2005, in Florida, where they finished in fourth place after losing to Australia.

Not an easy task

While encouraging the girls to believe in themselves, Grange warned that achieving the world number one status will not be an easy task.

The minister, however, believes the team is up to the task and reminded them of the fact that they were close to that objective after finishing second, behind Australia, at the 2000 Champion-ships in Wales.

"Today we are third in the world. We can be second again. And we can be first. There is work to be done. We will work with you," was the minister's assurance.

The minister also commended coach C. Lloyd Walker and the other officials for their guidance and support of the bronze medal-winning team.

Grange also said the Govern-ment was pleased to have played a role in helping to get the team to the Cook Islands, with a contribution of $2 million through the Sports Development Foundation.