Findlay joins in welcoming West Indies Retired Players Foundation (WIRPF)

One former West Indies test player Vincentian Michael Findlay has given the thumbs-up to the establishment of the West Indies Retired Players Foundation (WIRPF).{{more}}

The foundation, the brainchild of president of West Indies Cricket Board Whycliffe “Dave” Cameron, launched last Thursday in Barbados, will be offering health care to former players, as well as providing bursaries and scholarships for people in the region.

Additionally, the foundation seeks to fashion opportunities to get former players involved in development.

Findlay, who played 10 test matches for the West Indies between 1969 and 1973, told SEARCHLIGHT: “The establishment and launch of the West Indies Retired Players Foundation is an excellent initiative…. I wish the initiative every success.”

Findlay, also a former St Vincent and the Grenadines, Windwards and Combined Islands wicketkeeper noted: “… I applaud the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) and the West Indies Players’ Association (WIPA) on their joint effort. It is also very re-assuring to see the WICB and WIPA working harmoniously in the best interest of retired West Indies players and West Indies cricket.”

At last Thursday’s launch, it was reported that fund-raising will be carried out throughout the world via sit-down discussions, golf and other sporting events, workshops and seminars, as well as technical clinics.

Reports are that several past players who have represented the regional team have been battling illnesses, but lacked the financial resources to help ease their conditions.

New in execution, but an old idea that was always proffered, former West Indies captain, the legendary Sir Garfield Sobers, who spoke at the launch, said that since the 1980s when the West Indies were powerhouses in cricket, he had a similar proposal.

Sobers recalled he had advised the cricket leaders then to add one dollar to the entrance fee for regional matches, since the fans who were cramming the stands would not have objected, but his proposal was rejected.

He thought that then, the monies collected would have assisted and benefitted the players.

Forming an integral part of the current WIRPF, is treasurer of the West Indies Players Association Vincentian Nixon Mc Lean, who is a member of the committee.

The autonomous committee also includes Brian George – chairman, Dr Nigel Camacho, Wavell Hinds – WIPA president, Delano Franklyn and Janice Allen. (RT)