Impressive ceremony closes out under 13 tourney

ZIZ Sports…Aug 30 2012 — An impressive ceremony to close out the 2012 edition of the Government of St. Kitts and Nevis regional 13 and under cricket tournament was held at Warner Park on Wednesday 29th August.

The ceremony was chaired by chief Coordinator of the tournament, Vernon Springer who warmly congratulated the Barbados team on securing double championship honours in winning both the 10/10 series and the 25 overs competition. He also paid tribute to the sponsors of the tournament. He noted that three graduates of the tournament have already made it to the international stage: Kieran Powell, Kraigg Bratwaite and Devon Thomas. He stated that the Government of St. Kitts and Nevis will take the lead in negotiating with LIAT to get cheaper rates for the players so that the tournament can continue.

He further stated that the Government of St. Kitts and Nevis will not give up the tournament even after 16 years of its existence but hoped that more islands from the Windward Islands will participate next year, along with possibly Trinidad and Jamaica. He also promised that next year, some of the matches will be played under lights. This received warm applause.

Cardigan O’Connor, Coach of the Anguilla team spoken on behalf of the Managers and Coaches and congratulated the organizers for a wonderfully conducted tournament. He had special words of praise for chief organizer Vernon Springer. He made special reference to the parents who he referred to as Coaches, managers, Nurses and even baby sitters. He noted that when he spoke to his young guards about going home, they expressed a desire to stay another two days. This he stated is testimony to the fact that they did enjoy themselves and were well taken care of.

Also speaking at the ceremony was the Minister of Sports, Hon Glen Phillip who congratulated all of the players but had special commendation for the parents who travelled with them and also extended hearty congratulations to the winning Barbados team. He noted that ‘an investment in our youth is an investment in our country.’ He told the players that if they desired to achieve they must be dedicated in training and must be disciplined. He however warned them to balance their sporting abilities with their academics. He too, thanked the sponsors for their tremendous contributions.

He stated that the outstanding players will receive a lap top compliment of the Government of St. Kitts and Nevis

The young cricketers were then presented with their awards and gifts by various individuals who included Min Glenn Phillip; sponsors reps and past outstanding cricketers who included Luther Kelly; Keith Arthurton and Clem Hicks.

Among the awards presented was a special award to Melissa Clarke, the lone female in the tournament who is in her last year. She was presented with a bat, one pair of pads and she also received a lap top from Min. Glenn Phillip.

The top player of the tournament was Leic Charles of Dominica who also scored the only century-197 runs. The most valuable player for the Nevis team was Jamie Cornelius who for his efforts received one bat; one pair pads; one dictionary; one school bag; a plaque and a laptop.

Special awards were also presented to some of the persons who have helped to make the tournament possible throughout the years. These included Captain Winston Skeete and Captain Lester of the local ferry service-Wesk Agency. Minister Glenn Phillip added tokens of appreciation to the parents present.

Just before the ceremony concluded Manager of the Barbados team, Adrian Donovan addressed the gathering and made several suggestions:

• That a brochure with relevant information on the tournament be prepared and advertisement for the next tournament commence immediately. He promised that he will get two sponsors in Barbados to start the process

• That other teams in the Caribbean be invited to be a part of the tournament and even one or two international teams

• That the tournament commence at least an hour later and be extended to 30 overs

• That all of the cricketers be made to wear helmets while batting