Ian Allen honoured by sports ambassador’s status

Former SVG, Windward Islands and West Indies fast bowler Ian Allen, who was named sports ambassador at the observance of the St Vincent and the Grenadines 39th anniversary of independence on October 27, expressed honour in his new status.

Allen, 53, commenting days after being bestowed with the sports ambassador title, told SEARCHLIGHT: “…I feel really honoured to receive such an award… Thanks to the government of St Vincent and the Grenadines, and particularly Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves”.

Reflecting on the attainment, Allen reasoned: “It is an indication of people respecting the service I have given to cricket over the years, not just playing, but in my coaching education …It gives me a feeling that the work I have done over the years, some persons have recognised it”.

Allen, the current development officer for St Vincent and the Grenadines’ cricket, as well as the territorial development officer for the Windward Islands, added that the award should act as an inspiration to others.

“I hope this serves as a boost for cricketers and sportsmen and women to work towards,” he noted.  

Allen, who was in St Lucia conducting a foundation cricket course, when the announcement was made by Prime Minister Dr Ralph E Gonsalves, said, he immediately got a flow of calls, text and WhatsApp messages, all with positive words of congratulations.

 “I want to thank my wife, my children, Mr Venold Coombs, as well as Mr Lennox John and others, all who have assisted in my cricket career”, Allen said with gratitude.

The qualified Australia Academy Level Three coach and a qualified tutor/ assessor of Cricket West Indies, formerly known as the West Indies Cricket Board, Allen said that he would continue to give service St Vincent and the Grenadines’ cricket, also the Windwards, and by extension, the West Indies.

Allen has represented the West Indies in two test matches, taking five wickets.

Additionally, he has played a total of 46 first class matches, scalping 98 wickets.

He has 29 List “A” matches to his name, with 39 wickets to complement that format.

Allen has coached the Windward Islands senior team, known now as the Windwards Volcanoes.