Celebrating Forty-Five (45) Years of Nurturing

Avice Roberts-Joseph, President of the Quebec Amateur Netball Federation, was recently recognized by Sports Quebec and Quebec Netball for her forty-five (45) consecutive years of outstanding dedication at the helm of this organization.

In 1971, netball, though an international sport, was virtually unheard of in Quebec. Avice felt that women were missing the opportunity to play this demanding but rewarding sport. Thus she took the initiative, and was instrumental in founding the Quebec Amateur Netball Federation. Initially, because the sport was not well-known in Quebec or Canada, it was impossible to get any substantial provincial or federal assistance. To this effect, Avice undertook an exhaustive and productive fund-raising campaign. This tireless and exigent work continues today.

Because of Avice’s generous spirit, her vigor, her dedication and her outstanding leadership skills, many young women have had the opportunity to play sports and travel to other parts of Canada and the world. These athletes have participated in provincial tournaments in Ontario, Alberta, British Columbia, Nova Scotia and Newfoundland, and world tournaments in Singapore, Malaysia, the Philippines, Trinidad, Barbados, England, New Zealand, Scotland Australia, Kula Lumpur, Grenada and Dominica.

Avice’s leadership has been characterised by innovative ideas, strategic thinking and indefatigable efforts to increase the visibility of netball. A retired EMSB teacher, she is an inspiration to all those who know her. This is reflective in the respect and admiration in those whose lives she has profoundly impacted.

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