England netballer Summer Artman reveals Windrush motivation
Wednesday 17 October 2018 22:19, UK
Summer Artman says her family's struggles when they arrived in the UK gives her added strength and motivation to cement her place as an England regular.
Artman, who left Hertfordshire Mavericks last month to rejoin Team Bath, started the first match of England's Sunshine Series in Jamaica, earning her fourth international cap.
It was an emotional moment for the 21-year-old defender and a proud moment for her family, many of whom were part of the Windrush generation that settled in England when they arrived from the Caribbean more than 50 years ago.
"My parents are from the Caribbean. My dad's from St Vincent and my mum's from Dominica," Artman explained.
"So they were part of the Windrush generation, as well as my grandparents. Knowing the struggles and the triumphs they [all] went through so I could be here, and knowing that they have that strength makes me have it.
"So walking tall and being proud of where you come from I think is really important.
"I don't like to see anyone shy away from their culture even if it is different from those around them, so [my message to others is] be proud of who you are and be proud of where you come from and achieve whatever you want to."
