In July 2002, after the end of the Cable & Wireless 2002 Series an exhausted Ronnie Sarwan returned home to Guyana where he heard of an eight year-old kid living a few miles away from his house who was crazy about him. Instead of shirking it off as another one of his legions of adoring fans, he showed genuine interest, mustered up some energy and drove over to the kid’s house. Sarwan shook the kid’s hand and spoke with him about cricket and school and the need to pursue education with zeal and be committed to whatever he chose to do in life.
It was the first day of Fuaad Majeed’s summer vacation. Upon his return to classes the following semester he had his classmates bewildered with his almost unbelievable story of the Windies batting star visiting him at home. Fuaad’s mother to this day talks about how stupefying an event it was to have Sarwan show up at her house to visit her son. She talks about how much of an inspiration it was to young Fuaad, and she talks about how Fuaad always remembers Sarwan’s thoughtful advice and unselfish gesture.
Ramnaresh Sarwan is by no means your ordinary cricketer. With his silky touch he is in the top shelf of batsmen the world over. Along with returning from being cracked in the head by that vicious bouncer in the World Cup to almost win the match for the Windies, it is his warm, engaging off-field personality that makes him a favorite with fans.
When the Cayman Islands Cricket Celebration weekend gets underway on the 25th July, Ronnie will be on hand to share not only his cricketing expertise with fans but also to chat, have fun and learn. Yes learn!
“I will be using the cricket weekend as a learning experience, it is something new and I am sure I can learn a lot from it,” says Ronnie.
Ronnie is a genuine, fun-loving fellow who, as is evident from his declarations, tries to glean as much cricketing knowledge from every situation which has a bat and a ball involved.
“It will be my first time in Cayman and I know that I will enjoy it. I am really excited about the cricket weekend because I heard there will be an opportunity to be with lots of youngsters. I love working and playing with the kids,” Ronnie beamed. His visit to Fuaad’s home is evidence that this is not just talk.
And the new Windies vice-captain has a smart little side scheme up his sleeve as well. “I can also learn from the other players who will be there especially the great former players. I believe it is a privilege and honor to be asked to participate in the cricket weekend and be able to play with them,” Sarwan reasoned.
The cricket weekend will give everyone in Cayman an opportunity to experience Ronnie’s warmth and willingness, that Fuaad Majeed so cherishes still. Sarwan may not have the time to do house calls but you can surely catch him at the events planned for the weekend.
The Cayman Cricket celebration will commence with a fundraising gala dinner at the Marriott Resort Grand Cayman on Friday, 25 July, the proceeds of which will go to the national youth cricket programme. Tickets cost $150.
On Saturday, 26 July, kids of all ages will have an opportunity to play cricket with Sarwan and other West Indies legends at the clinic being held at the Smith Road Oval.
Finally, on Sunday, 27 July, Cayman will get to see Ronnie in action as he takes part in an exhibition match where he will display the skills that have earned him the title of one of the best batting prospects for the West Indies.
So far the organizers have confirmed Courtney Walsh and Sarwan for the weekend and will announce other cricketers as they are confirmed. For more information about Cayman Cricket Celebration, contact organizers Kelly Holding Ltd. on 946 8822 or by email at kellyco@candw.ky.
