Even as Anil Beharry continues his philanthropic cricket gear distribution project, he has made it clear that there are certain criteria that have to be met by the young recipients, chief among those is discipline, a willingness to learn and more importantly, academic interest and regular attendance at school.
Beharry, who told Stabroek Sports that he first started the project just over a decade ago, said that it was something that started as a personal way of giving to young talented cricketers who were in need of gear. However, as the initiative became more public, a pool of Guyanese both local and in the diaspora has helped to contribute to the development of scores of youngsters.
Even current West Indian stars Shamar Joseph and Gudakesh Motie have benefited from the project in the past.
Under the current name “Cricket Gear for Young & Upcoming Cricketers”, cricket related items, used or new, are distributed free of cost to young and promising cricketers all across Guyana. Skills, discipline and education are important characteristics that the recipients have to possess in order to benefit. Talent spotting is being done across the country and club leaders also assist to identify potential recipients.
Recently, opener Ravid Fredricks and allrounder Usain Fredericks, two unrelated outstanding U13 batsmen from the Cinderella County of Essequibo, were the latest to benefit from the joint initiative between Kishan Das (US based) and Beharry of Guyana.
Beharry told this newspaper that he was on hand to witness the youngsters in action at the final match of the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) Inter County U13 tournament that was played at the GCB’s LBI facility. In fact, both batsmen scored half centuries to lead their team to victory and championship honours.
According to Beharry, their innings was “full of maturity beyond their age”.
Usain, remarkably, hails from Moruca, Region 1 and attends the Waramuri Primary Top while Ravid is from Pomona and attends Abram Zuil Secondary School. They both received cash incentives to assist in purchasing cricket gear they needed on the spot.
While the handover was done just after the game, the youngsters thanked their benefactors for the donations and committed to continue dedicating their efforts in the development of their game.
To date, eighty-six young players, both male and female, from all three counties of Guyana have benefited directly from cash, seven gear bags, two trophies, four arm guards, thirty-three bats, three boxes, six helmets, thirty-one pairs of cricket shoes, twenty pairs of batting pads and other gear.
Beharry said that anyone interested in contributing can either contact him directly on 623-6875 or Kishan Das on 1-718-664-0896.
