Lara bats to raise funds for blind cricketers

BRIDGETOWN: West Indies captain Brian Lara donated two bats from his personal collection to be raffled by the Barbados Council of the Disabled to help raise funds to send a West Indies team to the next Blind Cricket World Cup in 2006. The presentation of the two bats was made prior to the start of the first Cable and Wireless One-day International (ODI) between West Indies and Sri Lanka at Kensington Oval on Saturday. “All of us cricketers have to feel very privileged to be able to play the game at the highest level and we felt it important to contribute this effort to form a team for the next Blind Cricket World Cup,” remarked Lara. “I think this is really genuine and this is really a great cause to support. All of the players when told about it were very happy to be involved and we wish them all the best. It is good to see them play the sport and we are going to back them all the way.”

The West Indies batting superstar said he had watched and read a bit about the playing of blind cricket. He described the occasion as fun for the players and he looks forward to getting a chance to see the West Indies team play when it comes together. Rosanna Tudor, the Events Coordinator for the Barbados Council of the Disabled, said that Lara’s donation and the support from the remainder of the West Indies team was greatly appreciated. “Their involvement gives a boost and encouragement to our players as we prepare to host coaches from other islands to look into the development of a West Indies team for the next Blind Cricket World Cup,” she commented. Tudor indicated that the hosting of an England blind cricket team earlier this year was only the first step towards fulfilling the dream. She added that the Council had been successful in getting grounds, equipment and support from the Ministry of Social Transformation for the venture. Granville Carter, who played for the Barbados blind cricket team against the England side earlier this year, is also grateful for the support of the members of the West Indies team and is looking forward to making the Blind West Indies team. “I think the gesture by Lara and the West Indies cricket team as wonderful because they are deeply involved in the game and want to see the progression of the game in all sectors,” he said.