The Government of Guyana (GoG) donated cricket equipment to more than 200 boys and girls from the respective county academies at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre in Liliendaal yesterday.
At the distribution exercise, which saw the budding cricketers receive a kit bag complete with cricketing gear, President Irfaan Ali said that the move is not only “about cricket but holistic living” and added that he believes that with the plans that the government has, “we can create an ecosystem.”
He also announced his intention to oversee the creation of a “premier academy” for players across the various regions.
On the other hand, President Ali sang praises for the youths who turned out in their numbers while stating that he believes that the raw talent that exists in the country can add value to the nation’s cricket.
He also called for the return of a “ball in sock” in everyone’s home and urged the youths to spend less time on devices and to hit the ball instead.
“Cricket is not turning up and holding a bat; when you’re talented and gifted, you have to give more of yourself,” President Ali cautioned.
“Talent and gifts will remain dormant if you don’t nourish or build it” he further added.
Also present at the distribution were Prime Minister Mark Phillips, Minister responsible for Finance Ashni Singh, Minister of Culture, Youth & Sport Charles Ramson Jr., Minister of Foreign Affairs Hugh Todd, Minister of Housing Colin Croal, and Minister of Health Dr. Frank Anthony.
