Primary school cricketers impress

A THREE-week pilot cricket coaching course for primary school pupils ended at the Sir Frank Worrel Cricket Develop-ment Centre, Balmain, Couva on Friday. It was organised by the Youth Coaching Committee of the Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board (TTCB) and was jointly sponsored by Unique Books and Sports Centre; and Flavorite Ice Cream. Assisting the closing ceremony with prizes and medals were Scotiabank. At the head of the Youth Coaching Committee is Baldath Mahabir, second vice-president of the TTCB, and conducting the course, with the assistance of nine specialist coaches was Kumar Rampat, West Indies Territorial Cricket Development Officer, based in Trinidad and Tobago.

The 71 pupils who participated in the programme were divided into four groups, and at the closing ceremony on Friday, awards were given for the best forward defensive shot;  the best fieldsman, the best catcher, the player with the best bowling potential, the most promising; the best wicket keeper, the most disciplined and the best team member. WI Territorial Cricket Develop-ment Officer Rampat said he was excited at the response shown by schools. “From the enthusiasm that we have seen displayed we will definitely organise another course next year and include  girls as well,” he said. Alloy Lequay, Chief Executive Officer of the Cricket Board thanked parents and teachers for the interest they have shown in the Kids Cricket Clinic.

“Without doubt what your children have participated in will help them to grow into becoming better human beings and will also open the way to help them develop a love for cricket for which the nation would benefit in years to come,” said Lequay. He said that the TTCB decided this year to implement the pilot project with primary school pupils and the training exercise has given him the impetus to do the same next year with some improvements. Lequay said that the August school vacation was the ideal period to carry out the programme and despite some showers this year, it will again be continued in 2005. “You have learnt the basics of cricket and made new friends  and it is our hope that the relationship that you have built will carry you through life in a positive way,” Lequay added.