Kwakwani youngsters given introduction to basic cricket skills

Kwakwani United Sports Club (KUSC) and TMT Global Inc. recently concluded their one-week cricket camp in Kwakwani, the first such camp to be held in that community.

Over 40 children between ages six and 18 participated in the activity, which was held at the Sir Frank Worrell ground. The camp focussed on teaching the basic skills in cricket such as batting, bowling, fielding and wicket-keeping.

In addition to the cricket skills, the youngsters had motivational speeches on discipline, teamwork and the importance of education among other topics. The camp concluded with a game and a small presentation ceremony held immediately after the game.

Trophies were presented to outstanding individuals in four categories, namely most promising batsman, bowler, wicketkeeper and female cricketer.

Arren Vanlewin received the trophy for most promising bowler, Jalade Trim, who happens to be a national footballer, was awarded most promising female, Koyl Joseph was named best wicketkeeper and Cordell Hoyte the most promising batsman.

Refreshments, which were donated by Banks DIH Limited and Double Duece Snackette, were also presented to all participants.

Sport Consultant of TMT Global Inc. and coordinator of the camp, Anthony D’Andrade, was pleased with the interest and enthusiasm shown by those who participated in the camp. D’Andrade, one of the two coaches for the camp, has been visiting the area since February as the cricket coach and coordinator of the Kwakwani Sports Programme.

Invited guest coach, West Indies female cricketer, Tremayne Smartt, was surprised by the level of talent on display for a community that hasn’t had any organised cricket or coaching structure for a number of years.

She encouraged the youngsters to continue to work on their game and to remain focus and discipline. President of the club, Kinesha Stewart, expressed her desire to continue to host activities like this for other sports discipline as well.

Chairman of the Kwakwani Neighbourhood Democratic Council, Elsie McPherson, reiterated to the youngsters the importance of discipline in sports and encouraged them to stay in school and aim to be the best they can be in life.

KUSC and TMT Global Inc. are working together to increase youth participation in sports in the community. The next planned activity is a one-week football camp, which would be held immediately after the school athletics activities during this term.

The cricket camp was preceded by a basketball clinic held in August by Youth Basketball Guyana. KUSC and TMT Global Inc. would like to thank Banks DIH Limited and Double Duece Snackette for their contribution towards the camp.