They have delivered the goods on the field with bat and ball but now cricketers Travis Dowlin, Christopher Barnwell and Derwin Christian have pledged to make sizeable contributions to the development of their club. This announcement was made yesterday by the Demerara Cricket Club (DCC) president Alfred Mentore at the closing ceremony of the club’s first August cricket camp.
The programme was coordinated by former national player and coach Gavin Nedd.
When Dowlin, 33, spoke he described the philanthropy of the cricketers as a “humbling experience”. He also told the 60 participants that he was pleased to be present at the closing ceremony and to celebrate another fillip in the life of the Queenstown-based club.
“First of all, let me say how pleased I am to be here experiencing this moment with you guys.
I can recall going to practice with big dreams in my head, as I am a very determined individual and today I can safely say that I have realized my dream which is to play for the West Indies and I am sure many of you have the same dream.
I do know that many of you have the same dream, but what I wish to say to you is do not be distracted. You will have those who will try to distract you from realizing your dream, but I urge you to stay focused, knowing what it is your wish to achieve one day,” stated Dowlin.
Dowlin also indicated that he aims to dedicate some of his time to the club to impart his knowledge to the cricketers.
The participants were urged by Barnwell to remain steadfast in their endeavours. He also urged them to put what they have learned at the two-week programme into practice since it will serve them well in days to come.
Meanwhile, Nedd in his review of the camp stated that while he was disappointed with the numbers at the beginning of the camp, he noted that the numbers started pouring in. He also expressed his gratitude to Mentore for allowing him to proceed with the camp.
“I must thank the president for expressing his confidence in me to organise and conduct this camp at such a short notice.
It was a pleasure for me to work with all the young potential cricketers.
“I am looking forward to next year’s summer camp, where there will be added activities to the programme. Also, I have always visualized this club having a practice facility at some point on the ground and I hope that the pledge made by the three cricketers would make that a reality,” Nedd described.
Raymond Ollivierre, who is eight years old, was named the best student of the camp. He received a plaque while 13-year-old Tevin Imloch was named the best batsman and received a bat from Barnwell.
