Atlantic LNG power schools cricket

ATLANTIC LNG have pledged $95,000 to assist in promoting primary schools cricket this year. On Tuesday the company’s president, Rick Cape,  presented a cheque for the sum toVincent Graham, chairman of the Primary Schools Cricket League. Thea function held at the National Cricket Centre, Balmain, Couva. The contribution was described as “as an investment in the youth of the nation.” In an address Cape said that Atlantic LNG was proud to be associated with the Primary Schools Cricket League which comprise over 470 schools throughout Trinidad and Tobago. “This no doubt is the bedrock on which the growth and development of West Indies Cricket would depend,” Cape said.

He was noted that the league would be run under the auspices of the Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board and in conjunction with the Ministry of Education. The Atlantic LNG official said it was obvious that the partnership was a move in the right direction in helping to restore West Indies cricket to the top again.. The company, which  also sponsors football, was particularly concerned about the Point Fortin schools, nine of whom received cricket equipment at the function, presented by former West Indies opening batsman, Gordon Greenidge. The Barbadian is on a coaching assignment at the Sir Frank Worrel Cricket Development Centre in Balmain, Couva.

Cape, who is Australian, said that in his country cricket preparation begins at age five, to which he is accustomed and expressed the hope that from the Primary Schools Cricket League  “students would develop a love for the game and emerge onto the National and Regional scene.” Avril Sampson, Schools Supervisor II, Port-of-Spain and Environs, speaking on behalf of the Ministry of Education, said that cricket was a way of life in the West Indies, and she hoped that Brian Lara’s record Test innings of 400 not out would help the region to climb back to the top rung on the International cricket ladder. Other speakers include Vincent Graham, president of the Primary Schools Cricket League; Rustan Job, first vice president of TTUTA; John Lewis, secretary of the Primary Schools Cricket League and S Wallace, Public Relations Officer of the Secondary Schools Cricket League.