ZIZ News…July 9 201 — Cricket fans watching the 23rd ODI between West Indies and New Zealand at Warner Park in Basseterre St Kitts will be in for a treat on Saturday, July 14 as Scotiabank and the WICB introduce the newest and only cricket mascot – Chirpy the Cricket!
Chirpy, who represents the Scotiabank Kiddy Cricket programme, will be accompanying the 80 Kiddy Cricketers from primary schools in St Kitts and Nevis during their on field half time skills display session as well as interacting with fans in the venue. He will be displaying his best cricket batting and bowling skills, moving through the stands to excite and treat fans to special Scotiabank promotional items, and sharing the excitement of great cricket moments with spectators in the Oval.
Chirpy the Cricket has entered the Kiddy Cricket programme after being declared the winning submission in the Scotiabank Regional Kiddy Cricket Design a Mascot Competition, which ran throughout the region last year. He was revealed for the first time during the 2012 series at Kensington Oval in Barbados in April this year; where his creator, 12 year old Daniel Lashley introduced him to spectators in the venue. Ever since, her has been lighting up the matches with his energetic batting and bowling, his antics with fans in the stands as well as adding excitement to the hospitality suites he visits.
Upon seeing his mascot in action, Daniel, the young designer had conceptualized Chirpy described him as a lively, agile and energetic cricket who loved the sounds and calls of the conch shell at cricket matches throughout the Caribbean. “He is just as I had imagined. He is fun, lively and plays cricket just like a real Kiddy Cricketer does! I am proud of my creation and I know the kids and adults alike will have lots of fun with him.” exclaimed Daniel.
Scotiabank’s Regional Sponsorship Manager Simone Hull, who assisted in organizing the competition last year said that “Jamaican Kiddy Cricketer and adult fans alike will be delighted to see Chirpy come to life. He is a part of our constantly growing and improving Scotiabank Kiddy Cricket programme. We look forward to the excitement and action that he will bring to Sabina Park as he goes through the stands and interact with the fans. We want the Kiddy Cricketers and adults as well to have a good time with him and create great cricket memories.”
Ms Hull added that ” looking back at the competition, we were very proud and impressed by all the entries from the children and are happy that we did the right thing in going to them to determine what the new mascot would look like.”
Chirpy the Cricket replaces Clarence the Crab, who had been the mascot of the Kiddy Cricket programme from its inception 13 years ago and was retired from active duty last year.