Cricket academy concludes

The fourth edition of the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports/National Sports Commission’s (MCYS/ NSC) annual cricket academy concluded on Friday at the Enterprise Community Development Centre.

To mark its closure 45 aspiring cricketers under the age of 17 received certificates of participation from Director of Sports Neil Kumar.

Kumar encouraged the participants to stay in school and educate themselves. He also reminded the players of do’s and don’ts: reading is important, do not drink at a young age, you must be disciplined in the game, dress properly, be physically and mentally fit so you can focus and to respect your parents no matter how poor you are. The academy which commenced on Monday last focused on the development of young cricketers as well as instilling discipline among youths. The five-day programme initially started with 35 participants from Central ECD (Lusignan to Enterprise). Participants were also lectured on food safety, the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Leadership, apart from developing their playing abilities.

National female U-19 player Amanda Persaud receiving her  certificate from Director of Sports Neil Kumar at the MCYS/NSC annual cricket academy.
National female U-19 player Amanda Persaud receiving her certificate from Director of Sports Neil Kumar at the MCYS/NSC annual cricket academy.

Head coach of the academy, Latchman Yadram said that “The purpose of the academy was to educate, promote and develop young cricketers both male and female and instill discipline in them”.

This academy produced national youth players including the Yadram siblings Kamesh, Kavita and currently Bhaskar Yadram (U-15 captain), and recently Amanda Persaud.

The organisers praised the following sponsors; MCYS/NSC, Guyana Beverage Inc., Boodram Bakery, Navin and Sons construction, Vishal Construction, Tiger Sports and Samaroo Jailall for their support.