In an effort to aid cricketers getting to practice and school, the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club (RHTYSC) in collaboration with the Berbice Cricket Board on Thursday donated eight bicycles to young cricketers from the Essequibo Cricket Board and Georgetown Cricket Association.
This initiative comes under the Basil Butcher Trust Fund. The presentation was conducted in accordance with the COVID-19 guidelines on the outfield of the historic Georgetown Cricket Club where RYTYSC’s Chief Executive Officer, Hilbert Foster, delivered his address.
Foster said that four bicycles will be given to each of the two organisations with players already identified to receive their transportation.
According to the administrator, who is also President of the BCB, the programme has seen over $6M in supplies distributed.
The aim, he said is to donate one million dollars’ worth of bicycles in 2021.
“I know a lot of times transportation is costly and these bicycles are given to help you reach to practice and training,” Foster told the attendees. The recipients were identified by their respective bodies.
On hand to receive the items were acting president of the Essequibo Cricket Board, Alvin Johnson and secretary, Aotto Christiani while the players from Georgetown were present.
The Cricket West Indies Director said that the club’s main aim was to make a positive difference in the lives of people.
Additionally, under the ‘Say Yes To Education’ programme, 24 school bags were also given to the two bodies.
Speaking on behalf of the GCA, Shaun Massiah thanked Foster and his team for their contribution while indicating that it will definitely make a difference in the young cricketers’ lives.
Also, 15-year-old Christ Church student, Jeremiah Hoenkirk, who represents Transport Sports Club and lives in Sophia, said “I would like to thank Mr. Foster and the BCB for their contribution, it is a great initiative and it will be of great convenience for me to go to school and training.” Foster noted that next week it is expected that a quantity of balls and scorebooks will likely be distributed.
The late Basil Butcher is the fourth Berbician to play Test cricket, playing 40 Tests for the West Indies between 1958 and 1969. He scored 3104 runs at an average of 43.11 with seven tons and 16 half centuries.
