By Calvin Roberts
The executives of the Georgetown Cricket Association (GCA) were at it again with their distribution of $800,000.00 worth in cricket gear to the six schools at a simple ceremony held at the Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC) pavilion Tuesday afternoon.
Just under a week ago, first and second division clubs attached to the GCA were the recipients of $400,000.00 worth of cricket balls whilst a promise was made to the schools that are competing in the Association’s under-19 competition.
Marketing manager of the GCA, Les Ramalho, was the instrumental figure behind this gesture and urged the students to improve their game and strive to make the Guyana TCL Under-19 team, which would be an added boost to the sponsors.
“The idea came about with the introduction of schools into the GCA under-19 cricket competition. Back in my days when you have a cricket match to play for your school, you would use the schools’ equipment to partake in that game. However, I thought it best to give the schools a head start in acquiring their own gear or adding to their collection by approaching businesses and securing same. I urge you to put your best foot forward when representing your schools and work hard towards making the national TCL Under-19 team. This would make the sponsors who made this possible proud” Ramalho stated.
Ramalho continued: “Noble House Seafoods will be giving a bat to each student that score a century. Bowlers and wicket keepers will not be left out as they will receive a pair of bowling boots for each five wicket haul (bowlers) whilst the wicketkeepers will receive a pair of gloves and pads for every five dismissals (stumping and catches). Apart from that, the overall batsman, bowler, wicket keeper and fielder will each receive a bat.”
Ramalho also committed himself to the provision of meals for the schools and umpires when they are competing, a gesture that brought a round of applause from those gathered.
“Nutrition plays a vital part in the development of an athlete.
It will be my privilege to provide for the schools and the umpires only, meals during their matches.”
President of the GCA Bish Panday expressed his delight at this gesture being made by the Association.
“We have promised to help all and sundry that is attached to the GCA in the cricket fraternity when we assumed office last year. These kits that are being presented to the schools today is just another way of the Association’s assistance in the development of cricket.”
Queens College, St, Stanislaus College, School of the Nations, Christ Church Secondary, St. Winifride’s Secondary and Cummins Lodge Secondary schools each received a kit that comprised: Gear Bag(1), Bats (2), Batting Gloves (3 pairs), Batting Pads (2 pairs), Helmets (2), Arm Guards (2), Thigh Pads (2), Protector (4), Wicket keeping Gloves (1), wicket keeping Inners (2 pairs), Wicket keeping Pads (1) and Four (4) Balls (5.5oz). The GCA also added one box of balls to each kit.
The sponsors who made this gesture by the GCA possible were, B.E.V Enterprise (St, Stanislaus College), Prittipaul Singh Investments (School of the Nations), Quality Seafoods (St. Winifride’s Secondary), Ravi Raisan (Christ Church Secondary), Frederick Williams (Queen’s College) and Kishan Sarwan, father of national captain and West Indies vice captain Ramnaresh Sarwan (Cummings Lodge).
