The Thomas Lands-based Malteenoes Sports Club (MSC) is now among the several well wishers who have offered their congratulations to Guyana and West Indies middle order batsman Shivnarine Chanderpaul, sending their own congratulatory message yesterday.
In a press release, MSC offered their congratulations to the dependable middle order batsman who was bestowed with the Cacique’s Crown of Honour (CCH) and the National Sports Commission (NSC) 2008 Sportsman-of-the-Year award last Friday. The release reads:
Shivnarine Chanderpaul is reaping the rewards for his hard work and dedication to a sport he made his career very early in his life. He deserves every accolade bestowed on him in what must be one of his most memorable weekends which he crowned off with a breathtaking century at Providence last Sunday.
Shiv was given Guyana’s third highest national award, CCH, the 2008 National Sportsman-of-the-Year title, a plot of land and the renaming of a street in his honour.
He repaid his fans with an electrifying 46 on Friday followed by a magnificent unbeaten 112 on Sunday and even had the time to watch his eldest son Tajenarine (Brandon) compete in a Guyana under-15 trial match.
Greatness as a batsman is not judged only by the stats but none can argue that figures are a major factor and Shiv must now lie in the realm of greatness as a West Indian batsman.
His ability to be devastating was again demonstrated this weekend when he became only the third West Indian to reach 8,000 ODI runs and emphasized his versatility
But it is his ability to adapt, his tremendous concentration, his fitness level at age 34, the high price he puts on his wicket and his humble, almost shy demeanor, which should inspire youths to emulate him.
We at the Malteenoes Sports Club (MSC) try to instill the qualities which have made Shiv successful in our young cricketers with the hope that we can produce more Shivnarine Chanderpauls to bring glory to this dear land of ours.
There is no substitute for hard work and while everyone has their own style, Shiv has shown that hard work is followed by success and that anyone with the right commitment, work ethic and dedication can become the world’s best in their chosen profession, despite where they come from.
The Malteenoes Sports Club salutes this great son of the soil and wishes him and his family continued good health, success and a great life.
Keep roaring Tiger and continue to make us proud.”
