Kids in Cayman will have a chance to learn from the best in West Indies cricket this Saturday, 26 July at the Smith Road Oval during the Quincentennial Cricket Celebration weekend.
West Indies Captain Brian Lara, vice captain Ramnaresh Sarwan, openers Chris Gayle and Wavell Hinds and former fast bowlers Courtney Walsh and Joel Garner will be teaching the youngsters the essentials of the game and sharing their life experiences with them in a clinic from 10:00am – 12:00pm, sponsored by Esso.
“The Cayman cricket weekend, originally created by Cable & Wireless, is the only one of its kind in the region, and I hope that kids will take advantage of this unique opportunity,” says weekend organiser Rhonda Kelly of Kelly Holding Ltd. “We have a great combination of talent, skills and specialties in the six cricketers who are coming so kids will be able to improve every aspect of their game.”
One person who will be taking full advantage of all that the cricketers have to offer is 14-year old John Gray High student, Orville Perrier. Perrier has taken part in the last two cricket weekends, and cannot say enough positive things about his experience.
“I found the clinics to be very beneficial, not only for cricket but for life in general,” commented Perrier. “The knowledge you gain can be used to improve your game and your social skills.”
Perrier says that he learnt a lot from Courtney Walsh in particular, who has participated in all but one of the six previous weekends. “He taught us to not only have a good attitude on the cricket field but off as well, and that we should always try our best in everything we do.”
Every child who attends the clinics this weekend will get a free t-shirt and their picture taken with a cricketer. Parents and other adults are also encouraged to come out and participate in a new element of the weekend called Bat and Bowl to the Stars! where for only $5 they can pad up to face three balls from one of the fast bowlers or bowl three balls to one of the powerful batsmen. All proceeds go to the National Youth Cricket programme.
When asked what advice he would give to anyone who is thinking about coming out to the clinic on Saturday, Orville’s response is quick and absolute. “There’s a lot to learn from the game of cricket, traits and values that can carry you through life. Cricket enhances your lifestyle as a whole. So enjoy the three days that the stars are here and try to participate as much as you can and learn something from them.”
Other activities taking place over the weekend include a gala fundraising dinner on Friday, 25 July at the Grand Cayman Marriott Beach Resort and an exhibition match on Sunday, 27 July from 11:00am to 6:00pm at the Smith Road Oval featuring the cricketers and local players. Tickets for the dinner are $150 per person and include a four-course meal and wine all evening, entertainment by renowned Trinidadian speaker and comedian Paul Keens-Douglas and a chance to spend personal time with the cricketers. On Sunday, there will be food and drink on sale all day, lunchtime entertainment, giveaways and live broadcasting by Vibe FM.
The Quincentennial Cricket Celebration is sponsored by Cable & Wireless, Esso, Cayman Airways, Vibe FM, Guinness and Red Stripe, Vision Marketing, Marriott Resort Grand Cayman, Cayman Screen Print, the Cayman Islands Cricket Association, the Quincentennial Celebrations Office and Pepsi.
For more information about the cricket weekend, log on to www.caymancricket.com or call organisers Kelly Holding Ltd. on 946 8822.
