With a number of international and regional cricketing stars currently in Guyana preparing for the 2017 Caribbean Premier League (CPL), mobile network provider Digicel took the opportunity to continue their `Big Brother’ initiative where a number of young kids were given the opportunity to interact with some of their cricketing heroes.
This was done at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence on Saturday where Rayad Emrit, one of the region’s more recognized players, lauded Digicel’s efforts, emphasizing the importance of giving back to the youngsters.
“It’s always good to give back to the younger kids. When I was growing up I never had this opportunity to be in a session like this so it’s always good to give back when you’re at this level and it’s good to see that the kids are learning and they are excited to be here,” Emrit said.
The session provided the kids with the opportunity to interact with Emrit, who worked with the prospected fast bowlers while the likes of spin sensation Rashid Khan was seen giving a few of the younger spinners some finger bruising tips.
A number of others were also keenly engaged in fielding drills with the Guyanese duo Steven Jacobs and Keemo Paul during the session.
Emrit, in a comment, said that he was impressed with the ‘wealth of talent’ the South Americans are producing owing to Guyana’s good showing in senior tournaments at the regional level. Meanwhile, Director of Sports Christopher Jones, who spent some time observing the morning session, said that he too held the Digicel initiative in high regard.
The initiative, as explained by the company’s Communications Manager Vidya Sanichara, is one that is observed throughout the Caribbean and in every corner where the company has a base. Sanichara explained that Digicel and youth go hand-in-hand where the `Big Brother’ programme seeks to inspire young men into joining the game based on their interaction with the stars.