World Netball has announced International Umpire, Gary Burgess, as its official Integrity Ambassador.
With over 100 international umpiring caps to his name, Burgess is one of the most recognisable and well-respected umpires in the game making him the perfect fit for the integrity ambassador role.
Upon his appointment, Burgess will now join Marva Bernard OD, Shamera Sterling and Sara Donovan who have already been announced as Teamwork, Athlete, and Courage ambassadors.
Commenting on this addition to the Ambassador team, World Netball President, Liz Nicholl CBE, said: “The integrity of any sport is built on providing a fair and level playing field for athletes to compete on, and this is a value that Gary has embodied throughout his illustrious officiating career.
“His commitment and dedication to umpiring at the highest level while also inspiring and supporting others in the field, make him not only the ideal choice to represent World Netball’s Integrity value, but also an incredible role model for officials at all levels across the globe.”
Burgess was equally as happy about his appointment, adding: “I am truly honoured to be the World Netball Integrity Ambassador.
“Through my involvement in World Netball as an International Umpire, myself and my fellow umpires are required to uphold the spirit of fair play and provide the athletes with an equal platform to showcase their skill and athleticism.
“This can only be achieved with integrity through a consistent and unbiased approach to the work we do, where we use the rules to enhance play and excite spectators, which contributes to the world-class spectacle our sport has become.”
World Netball will be revealing more Ambassadors representing the organisations remaining values of Excellence, Heart and Leadership, as well as more Athlete Ambassadors for different Member regions in the coming weeks.
To find out more about the Ambassadors we have revealed so far, click here.