West Indies Cricket Board makes contribution to the Under-13 Regional Cricket Tournament

BASSETERRE, ST. KITTS (SKNIS – August 17, 2010): The annual Under-13 Cricket Festival in St. Kitts and Nevis has received a financial boost this year from the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB), as young cricketers prepare to compete in the series of matches starting Friday, August 20.

The Hon. Glenn Phillip, minister responsible for sports, has conveyed a message of appreciation to Mr. Ernest Hilaire, the chief executive officer of the WICB, for the contribution of EC$15,000 to the Cricket Festival. Minister Phillip described the financial and psychological support as helping to instill, in the young players, a deeper sense of pride and commitment to cricket.

Ministry of Sports Permanent Secretary Lloyd Lazar said the Under-13 Cricket Festival is the only one of its kind in the region and costs in excess of $80,000. He said the Festival is an investment in junior cricketers and the progress and support of West Indies Cricket.

The regional Under-13 Cricket Festival has been held annually over the past 14 years, and is designed to help improve standards at the junior level, provide an early opportunity to identify emerging junior cricketers in the region and keep them motivated as they develop in the sport. The Under-13 Cricket Festival is endorsed by CARICOM and the regional organization OCASPE for its contribution to youth sport development.

Information from the Department of Sports, which organizes the Under-13 Cricket Festival, indicates seven teams participating this year. Matches would be played between teams from Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Bermuda, Dominica, Nevis and St. Kitts. Tournament regulars British Virgin Islands, Montserrat and Trinidad and Tobago are unable to participate this year. Games would be played at the Elquemedo Willett Park on Nevis, and the Conaree, Edgar Gilbert and Warner Parks on St. Kitts.