Netball World Cup unveils official meerkat mascot, Letsatsi
The mascot was given a South African name, "Letsatsi", meaning "sun". In addition, the mascot was dressed in the colours of the World Cup, inclusive of all the countries that will be taking part in the event.
Just a week after the Netball World Cup 2023’s organisers unveiled the official match ball to be used during these games, team South Africa has just revealed Letsatsi the Meerkat as its official mascot.
As part of the preparations for the World Cup, a competition was announced in March in which the public was asked to design a mascot.
Out of all the entries, locally and internationally, the winning design came from 11-year-old Violet Cassidy from Manchester, UK, who explained, “I have chosen a meerkat, because meerkats work together as a team and are native to South Africa.”
World Netball CEO Clare Briegal said, “It’s great to see the second of the five Netball World Cup 2023 regional qualifiers get under way, this time in the host country, South Africa. How special to use this as a platform to launch the mascot for the world cup. World Netball refers to our teams, member nations, officials, volunteers and fans as the netball family. Violet’s choice of the meerkat, a highly social animal that lives in supportive family groups, is perfect for netball.”
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The mascot was given a South African name, “Letsatsi”, meaning “sun”. In addition, the mascot was dressed in the colours of the World Cup, inclusive of all the countries that will be taking part in the event.
“The unveiling of Letsatsi signifies the milestones that we have reached as the Netball World Cup Board and community. We have always said this Netball World Cup belongs to all Africans and not only to South Africa. I am very happy that we are at this point. This is a clear indication of how ready we are to welcome the world to our shores – we are ready to deliver an African World Cup.
The unveiling of Letsatsi tells the world that we are ready for them,” said Cecilia Molokwane, Netball South Africa’s president.
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The 16th edition of the Netball World Cup will be the first to be held in Africa since the first World Cup held 60 years before in 1963, making it a very special event for South Africa. “The momentum continues to build around the World Cup as we introduce netball fans and support to more elements of the World Cup.
The Netball World Cup 2023 mascot represents the teamwork needed in netball.
Meerkats are known to live in large groups and have a female dominance,” said the Netball World Cup 2023’s tournament director, Priscilla Masisi.
To show support for these games, the public is urged to participate in the Netball Fridays campaign by wearing their netball gear and any other sporting wear every Friday.
