HUNDREDS of players of all ages took part in a netball tournament in memory of a former Wales international who died last year.
Over the last two weekends, players from across South East Wales gathered at Cwmbran Stadium and Rougemont School for the Catherine Roberts Memorial Tournament.
Miss Roberts, from Blackwood, died aged 27, just three months after being diagnosed with a brain tumour.
She had played netball for Wales and the Celtic Dragons and was travelling with her fiancée Bryony Powell in New Zealand when she was told she had an aggressive type of tumour.
She was well enough to travel back to Wales, but died on May 23.
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This year’s tournament is the second of its kind, after last September, Miss Roberts’ former players, friends and family launched the event at the Cwmbran Stadium to raise money for The Catherine Roberts Fund, which supports The Brain Tumour Charity.
The tournament’s organisers are confident this year’s event has already raised more than the £1,500 raised last year.
This year, 21 senior teams took to the court at Cwmbran Stadium on Sunday, September 8, and the following Sunday saw a change in venue as more than 230 junior players – 24 teams – took centre stage at Rougemont School.
The venues were donated free of charge by Torfaen Leisure Trust and Rougemont School.
Throughout the day, players wore sunflowers in their hair in memory of Miss Roberts.
One of the event organisers, Vicki Randall was coached by Miss Roberts at Risca Netball Club.
(More than 230 junior players took part as the tournament added a junior competition. Picture: Vicki Randall.)
She said: “The tournaments were played in great spirit.
“It’s a nice event for us to have something to remember Catherine with.
“Everything is normally so competitive playing netball, so it is nice to have this event where everyone comes together for the day.
“It’s about raising money, but also raising awareness.
(Talented netball player Catherine Roberts, from Blackwood, died just three months after being diagnosed with a brain tumour.)
“A huge thank you to all the companies that supported the event and donated raffle prizes.
“We anticipate a really good amount raised and will be handing it to her family for the Catherine Roberts Fund that supports the Brain Tumour Charity.
“Last year we raised £1,500 and we have certainly smashed that target this year with donations still coming in. We think we have raised in the region of £2,500.
“Her family came along to see the event and present the trophy.
“Cath’s tournament will be a yearly event for everyone to enjoy.”
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