New season for Kiddy Cricket bowls off here

Young cricketers aspiring for great returns from the sport made a big step in that direction when the 2013 edition of the Scotia Bank Kiddy Cricket programme officially began last week at the Sion Hill Playing Field hard court.{{more}}

The opening ceremony, which took place on April 18, heard brief addresses from the President of the St Vincent and the Grenadines Cricket Association Julian Jack; Chief Executive Officer of the Windward Islands Cricket Board of Control Lennox John; Deputy Chief Education Officer Beverly Neptune; Kenny Cozier of Scotia Bank, as well as one of the coaches attached to the Kiddy Cricket programme, Uzzah Pope.

Neptune noted that her ministry is fully onboard with the Kiddy Cricket programme. In listing the benefits to be derived from the programme, the deputy chief education officer identified making new friends and learning a new skill.

Jack, in his presentation, told the young cricketers that the Kiddy Cricket programme is the stepping stone for making the junior cricket teams, followed by the senior team, then the Windwards and finally the West Indies. He added that at the highest level is where they can make a lot of money from the sport.

And, the players are taking the opportunity seriously, as here in St Vincent and the Grenadines, 53 schools are placed in eight zones, in the competition which will culminate on May 16, with the Kiddy Cricket festival at the Arnos Vale Netball Complex.

The 2012 edition was won by the Richland Park Primary, but they have been eliminated this year. The Bequia Anglican, the Cane End Government, the Belair Government and the Park Hill Government have already booked places in next month’s final.

Kiddy Cricket is a WICB initiative, sponsored by Scotia Bank, and has been implemented in a number of cricketing countries throughout the region.

The Kiddy Cricket programme also teaches children the rudiments of the game, including bowling, batting, fielding and catching and also provides equipment and training for teachers to coach the basics of the sport.

From the programme, 60 players would be selected for a one-week camp during the August vacation.

And, the continuity is taking root, as from that camp, the best would go on to the Grassroots Cricket initiative, already in place.

Those currently assigned to ensure this is done here in St Vincent and the Grenadines are Stanley Hinds, Cleton Burnette and Uzzah Pope.(RT)