The East Coast Cricket Board (ECCB) recently held its seventh cricket academy under the theme ‘Cricket, a healthy way to life’ at the Lusignan Community Centre ground yesterday.
At a grand closing ceremony, the 87 participants which included four females, were presented with their certificates of participation, whilst outstanding students at the academy were presented with trophies.
Prior to the presentation of certificates, president of the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) Chetram Singh congratulated the ECCB for the successful hosting of their seventh academy and charged the participants to put into practice what they have learnt during their two weeks at the academy.
“I know that this academy was a success by the look on your faces as well as the number of participants who have been a part of this year’s proceedings. To the executives of the ECCB, I express my gratitude to you for the hard work you have put in to make this a success.”
The head of cricket in Guyana continued to state, “I charge you to put into practice what you have learnt here over the last two weeks, as there is a lot to gain from cricket. Just take a look at the West Indies team, where our cricketers, even though they are not winning earn between US$150,000.00 to US$300,000.00. Another example is the Indian Premiere League where thousands of dollars was paid out to cricketers.”
“But even as I spell that out to you, you must know that nothing comes easy and with the game of cricket, I want to urge to do three things in order to achieve whatever you intend to achieve from the sport.
I also want to challenge the ECCB to put together two or three female cricket teams in the area, as there is a future for women’s cricket in the Caribbean.”
“You must practice hard, as perfection comes with practice. You must be disciplined and you must study hard. Education is the key to success and a well educated cricketer can pull himself out of a dicey situation at any given time” Singh stated.
President of the ECCB and also of the Demerara Cricket Board (DCBN) Bissoondial Singh took the opportunity to thank the parents and guardians for sending their charges to the academy over the two week period.
“I must say that as I stand here today to address you, I am overwhelmed with joy at the response given to the applications our seventh cricket academy. To the graduates I say a well deserved congratulations whether you all recognized it or not, this is a milestone.”
“I looked at your young faces and I see that you are all brimming with potential. I must say thanks to my executives and the coaches for volunteering their time. To them I say congratulations on a job well done” said Singh.
He further stated, “Lessons such as Social etiquette, food and nutrition and health care are essential in the building blocks of life and I hope that you make good use of these tools to expand your ability. Learn how to be a better person in your society. Use your potentials to the best in your society also.”
Those who received special prizes apart from their certificate of participation were:
Stephen Andrews (regular attendance, punctuality and active participation on and off the field), Davendra Singh (regular attendance and active participation on and off the field), Shaneza Ulla (most improved player), Kavita Yadram (best female cricketer), Steve Ramdass (best all rounder), Keon Franklyn (best batsman), Mustapha Wasim (best wicketkeeper), Carlos Butts (best fielder), Vanessa Winston (most improved player) and Hemant Itwaru (best bowler).
