Huburn Evans, formerly of No 2 Village, East Canje, Berbice, has donated two cricket bats towards the “Cricket gear for young and promising cricketers in Guyana” project.
Evans represented Guyana at the senior level as a cricketer and coach, playing nine matches where he scored three half centuries including his highest knock of 84 not out.
After his career on the field, which lasted over four decades, ended, he transitioned into one of the most successful local under-19 coaches.
This initiative is a joint effort by Kishan Das of the USA and Anil Beharry of Guyana.
At a small but significant presentation recently, Evans said that he is delighted to give back to the game he loves so much and a game that has fashioned his entire life, while assuring that more help will be made available. Recipients, Ariel Tilku and Aaron Beharry, thanked Evans for this fine gesture and noted that it will indeed help develop young players.
The project aims to provide cricket gear free of cost to young and talented cricketers across Guyana. It is also seeking donations of new and used cricket gear to assist in this effort.
Total cricket related items collected so far include $40,000 cash, two pairs of cricket boots, 12 pairs of batting pads, 14 bats, nine pairs of batting gloves, and four cricket bags.
Sixteen young players from Essequibo Coast, Pomeroon, and the East Canje area, have already benefited from a junior gear bag, five bats, six pairs of batting pads and four pairs of batting gloves. Two clubs in Pomeroon will also benefit from two used bats. Rose Hall Canje Cricket Club has also benefitted.
According to the group, talent spotting is being done across Guyana along with guidance from club leaders to identify the players. To qualify, players must be enrolled in school and conduct themselves in a disciplined manner. Those above school age will also be considered.
In the latter half of his career, Evans was the coach of the Young Warriors Cricket Club and played a major role in the development of several top cricketers who went on to represent Guyana and West Indies at all levels.
He also played a major in the growth and development of current West Indies star player Shimron Hetmyer. Evans recently coached the East Zone USA under-19 team and New England Eagles of Massachusetts in the USA Minor League Tournament in his adopted country. H also served on the executive of the Berbice and Guyana Cricket Boards including as a selector.
Das and Beharry also thanked Imran and Javed Khan, of West Indian Sports Complex; Option Group; Bish Panday, of P and P Insurance Brokers; Sean Devers; Travis Simon; Hilbert Foster, of RHTY≻ Ariel Tilku; Aaron Beharry; Devon Ramnauth; Sherman Austin; Teddy Singh; Leana Bachan and Imran Saccoor; Romash Munna; Ravi Etwaroo; Ravin Harkishun; Surendra Harkishun; Allan Mangru; Vishal Mahabir; and Huburn Evans. More distribution will be done as soon as gear arrives from the USA and the COVID-19 pandemic is under control. Anyone interested in making a contribution can contact Anil Beharry on 623-6875, or Kishan Das on 1-718-664-0896.
