27 Aug 2026, 09:05Josette James
More Than a Medal: Team Jabez at Big 6
Handsworth's Team Jabez won silver at the NEC Big 6 netball tournament at the University of Wolverhampton, playing with faith, grit and good sportsmanship.
"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters." Colossians 3:23
After months of anticipation, the long-awaited Big 6 finally arrived, and what a day it was. The sun was shining, the atmosphere was electric, and the excitement was there to be felt in the air. It was game time.
Team Jabez arrived early in preparation for the big game. Getting themselves ready for the challenge ahead, they began stretching, jogging, and practising their passing drills and techniques. Team Jabez was ready to go. All were excited: smiles on faces, laughter shared, words of affirmation, hugs, love and cheers all around. This is a team full of passion and purpose, with a beautiful mixture of players of all ages and abilities, and it was a privilege for those standing alongside them to witness the greatness God has placed within each player.
HANDSWORTH STRONG
The Handsworth Netball Team (Jabez) competed in four exciting and competitive matches against other Seventh-day Adventist churches throughout the North England Conference (NEC), held at the University of Wolverhampton. They played in a spirit of respect, dignity, determination and good sportsmanship, reflecting the values Christian athletes strive to uphold, and honouring God in all that they did. The challenge was a steep one, but Team Jabez never wavered. Their communication was sharp, their defence fierce and their teamwork inspiring, creating several excellent scoring opportunities. Every member of the team contributed with commitment and teamwork, making it a memorable day.
MATCH RESULTS: A JOURNEY OF HEART AND HUSTLE
Game 1: Draw, 4-4. A tight, competitive start that set the tone for the day.
Game 2: Win, 10-5. A whopper of a victory that sent them straight to the finals.
Final match: First half, down 4-2. Second half, came back strong to 6-6. Extra time, a fierce battle ending 10-8 to their opponents.
What an amazing match. Team Jabez fought with everything they had. Under pressure, they stayed positive. When tired, they encouraged one another. When opportunities slipped, they kept pushing. And though the final score was not what they hoped for, their spirit never broke. They may have lost the match, but on their faces were smiles, gratitude and excitement, and a team, though defeated, looked very much victorious. Team Jabez had a blast and enjoyed every moment of the game: the highs, the lows and the in-between.
SILVER MEDALLISTS AND A TEAM TO BE PROUD OF
The team successfully secured second place overall, gaining silver medals for all the players involved. A phenomenal achievement.
TEAM MEMBERS
Larissa, Jennifer, Bianca, Neriah, Xian, Hannah, Paulette, Doris, Linda, Cushema, Kiesha, Sandra, Joan, Chermaine and team captain She’nique.
A massive shout out to this amazing team, who represented Handsworth with pride, humility and class.
GRATITUDE AND GLORY TO GOD
The team gives thanks to God for His protection, strength and favour throughout the tournament. Thanks go to every player for their discipline, dedication and teamwork, and to the captain for her leadership. Thanks also go to the parents and supporters who came out in huge numbers, and to the officials, organisers and opposing teams for making the event meaningful and memorable.
Big 6 reminded everyone present, team members and spectators alike, and indeed Pastor Derrick Simon, Youth Director and Big 6 organiser, that success is built on preparation, communication, perseverance, trust, positivity under pressure and unwavering encouragement.
The commitment and determination shown by every player was a source of real pride. Team Jabez represented Handsworth with humility, poise, discipline and class. They grew, bonded, learned and shone brightly, always remembering that their greatest victory was not the medal they won, but how they glorified God through their actions.
(Some players are missing from the photo.)
Handsworth's Team Jabez won silver at the NEC Big 6 netball tournament at the University of Wolverhampton, playing with faith, grit and good sportsmanship.
"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters." Colossians 3:23
After months of anticipation, the long-awaited Big 6 finally arrived, and what a day it was. The sun was shining, the atmosphere was electric, and the excitement was there to be felt in the air. It was game time.
Team Jabez arrived early in preparation for the big game. Getting themselves ready for the challenge ahead, they began stretching, jogging, and practising their passing drills and techniques. Team Jabez was ready to go. All were excited: smiles on faces, laughter shared, words of affirmation, hugs, love and cheers all around. This is a team full of passion and purpose, with a beautiful mixture of players of all ages and abilities, and it was a privilege for those standing alongside them to witness the greatness God has placed within each player.
HANDSWORTH STRONG
The Handsworth Netball Team (Jabez) competed in four exciting and competitive matches against other Seventh-day Adventist churches throughout the North England Conference (NEC), held at the University of Wolverhampton. They played in a spirit of respect, dignity, determination and good sportsmanship, reflecting the values Christian athletes strive to uphold, and honouring God in all that they did. The challenge was a steep one, but Team Jabez never wavered. Their communication was sharp, their defence fierce and their teamwork inspiring, creating several excellent scoring opportunities. Every member of the team contributed with commitment and teamwork, making it a memorable day.
MATCH RESULTS: A JOURNEY OF HEART AND HUSTLE
Game 1: Draw, 4-4. A tight, competitive start that set the tone for the day.
Game 2: Win, 10-5. A whopper of a victory that sent them straight to the finals.
Final match: First half, down 4-2. Second half, came back strong to 6-6. Extra time, a fierce battle ending 10-8 to their opponents.
What an amazing match. Team Jabez fought with everything they had. Under pressure, they stayed positive. When tired, they encouraged one another. When opportunities slipped, they kept pushing. And though the final score was not what they hoped for, their spirit never broke. They may have lost the match, but on their faces were smiles, gratitude and excitement, and a team, though defeated, looked very much victorious. Team Jabez had a blast and enjoyed every moment of the game: the highs, the lows and the in-between.
SILVER MEDALLISTS AND A TEAM TO BE PROUD OF
The team successfully secured second place overall, gaining silver medals for all the players involved. A phenomenal achievement.
TEAM MEMBERS
Larissa, Jennifer, Bianca, Neriah, Xian, Hannah, Paulette, Doris, Linda, Cushema, Kiesha, Sandra, Joan, Chermaine and team captain She’nique.
A massive shout out to this amazing team, who represented Handsworth with pride, humility and class.
GRATITUDE AND GLORY TO GOD
The team gives thanks to God for His protection, strength and favour throughout the tournament. Thanks go to every player for their discipline, dedication and teamwork, and to the captain for her leadership. Thanks also go to the parents and supporters who came out in huge numbers, and to the officials, organisers and opposing teams for making the event meaningful and memorable.
Big 6 reminded everyone present, team members and spectators alike, and indeed Pastor Derrick Simon, Youth Director and Big 6 organiser, that success is built on preparation, communication, perseverance, trust, positivity under pressure and unwavering encouragement.
The commitment and determination shown by every player was a source of real pride. Team Jabez represented Handsworth with humility, poise, discipline and class. They grew, bonded, learned and shone brightly, always remembering that their greatest victory was not the medal they won, but how they glorified God through their actions.
(Some players are missing from the photo.)
