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ICC WT20 WI 2010 Logistics Officer – St. Kitts, Ms. Marlene Liburd, checks out the “Bring It” bat at the entrance to RLB International Airport in St. Kitts |
ZIZ Sports…February 25, 2010 – Giant bats are popping up across the Caribbean – and they are signs of things to come!
ICC World Twenty20 West Indies 2010 is on the region’s doorstep and, as momentum builds to arguably cricket’s most thrilling tournament, organisers are preparing to roll out a series of energetic marketing and promotional initiatives, encouraging fans to embrace the theme “Bring It” and “Show the World how we do cricket,” says ICC WT20 WI 2010 Corporate Communications Manager, Ms Gayle Alleyne.
In the past few days, towering, eye-catching cricket bats have been erected in Guyana and St. Kitts and more will follow in the other two host territories, Barbados and Saint Lucia during the next fortnight. The bats, featuring tournament information and regional cricket super-fans Gravy, Mac Fingall and Peter Matthews, have been strategically positioned to maximize visibility along highways, outside airports and other prominent building and in city centers.
“These bats have certainly caught the attention of cricket lovers and the general public alike, especially as a number of them were covered with cloth before being officially unveiled. They have been designed in keeping with the WT20 promotional slogan ‘Bring It’ and this rallying cry will be the core of the marketing and public-relations campaign. There will be some elements which are new to the Caribbean but which we think will surprise and excite fans,” explained Ms. Alleyne.
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Guyana’s Minister of Sport Dr. Frank Anthony (right side of bat) and Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) president, Mr. Chetram Singh (left side of bat), unveil the first “Bring It” promotional bat in Georgetown last Thursday. Looking on are Guyana’s Event Manager for ICC WT20 WI 2010, Mr. KJ Singh, and youth players from Everest Cricket Club |
The first bat to make its debut is located in front the Russian Embassy on Rupert Craig Highway in Georgetown, Guyana. It was unveiled last Thursday by Minister of Sport Dr. Frank Anthony and Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) president, Mr. Chetram Singh. Two other bats will be erected at Rahaman’s Park and at the top of Vlissengen Road between North and Church Street tomorrow.
Addressing those gathered at the brief ceremony last week, Dr. Anthony said the bats and other promotional activities will increase awareness and excitement as the world-class event draws closer to kicking off at Guyana National Stadium on Friday April 30, 2010.
“It’s going to be exciting…and we want people to get their tickets early -don’t wait for the last minute, if not you will be left outside!” he declared, noting that tickets for Guyana’s slate of fixtures are selling well.
Meanwhile, in St. Kitts – which hosts the women’s preliminary round – three bats have been mounted: at the entrance to RLB International Airport; along the hotel-strewn Frigate Bay Road and at Cayon street in Basseterre.
“These bats have caused quite a stir. They are a physical representation of the fact that the tournament is coming to town. We want fans to heed the call to ‘Bring It’ as St. Kitts prepares to highlight women’s cricket – bring your support, bring your food, bring your family, your friends and bring all the noise and fun associated with cricket in the Caribbean,” said ICC WT20 WI 2010 Corporate Communications Officer – St. Kitts, Mr. Clement Ogarro.
Kittitian cricket enthusiast, Ms Donna Martin, is impressed by the bats and has assured that she will be among those ‘bringing it’ for ICC WT20 WI 2010 as her country is again showcased on the world stage. Fellow fan, Mr. John Franks, is equally pleased that spectators are being urged to ensure a lively and enjoyable atmosphere at Warner Park – and he too will be ‘bringing it’!