Wednesday 30 October 2024, Balmain, Couva
MEDIA RELEASE
Hosts Cantaro Champions, and the Grande Titans of Brooklyn, Sangre Grande, shared the spoils at the Community Cricket Coaching Programme’s Cricket Festival at Brian Lara Recreation Ground in Santa Cruz on Saturday (26 October 2024).
Close to 140 boys and girls from northeast Trinidad communities turned up at the Cantaro venue to show off the cricketing skills they developed during the 12-week programme. They were rewarded with a day of fun, skills and camaraderie at the programme’s finale under the banner of the ‘I Choose Sport’ initiative.
Cantaro Champions prevailed by 98 runs in the 12-15 age category, while Grande Titans triumphed in the 7-11 category. On both occasions, Arouca Gladiators were the runners up, followed closely by La Pastora Unstoppables.
The East/North Trinidad programme was launched in August by the Sports Company of Trinidad and Tobago (SporTT) in collaboration with the Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board (TTCB).
The Honourable Dr. Nyan Gadsby-Dolly, Minister of Education and Member of Parliament for St. Anns East, joined the enthusiastic Cantaro crowd to cheer on the young athletes and engage with the community. In her brief remarks, Dr. Gadsby-Dolly emphasised the importance of sport development programmes, which promote healthy lifestyles and help shape youth into the ideal citizens of Trinidad and Tobago.
She commended the dedication of the young cricketers and their families, and thanked SporTT and the TTCB for creating a space for youth to thrive on and off the field.
Several current and former national and West Indies cricketers are providing a boost to the programme. SporTT Athlete Development Officer and West Indies Women’s cricket legend Anisa Mohammed spearheaded the programme with support from senior coordinator Samuel Badree, ex-Windies women captain Merissa Aguilleira, coordinator Vinood Maharaj and ex-T&T allrounder Navin Stewart.
Britney Cooper, Stacey-Ann King, Alisa Mohammed and Brenda Solozano all supported the programme. Mohammed, Cooper, King and Badree are also T20 World Cup winners.
Anisa Mohammed is optimistic that the programme will bear fruit in the coming years. Beyond imparting cricketing knowledge and critical soft skills, such as teamwork and resilience, the programme also provided a forum for unearthing cricketing talent in some of the country’s lesser-served communities.
Promising players are being connected with TTCB-affiliated clubs and organisations so they can continue their progress.
“This programme is more than just cricket coaching,” she said. “It’s about empowering our youth, building a sense of community, and inspiring the next generation of cricketers and leaders in Trinidad and Tobago.”
The programme will next head to west Trinidad, starting Friday (1 November 2024). Tobago is also enjoying cricket development through an ongoing girls’ hardball programme at Shaw Park Recreation Ground.
HONOUR ROLL – COMMUNITY CRICKET PROGRAMME (NORTH/EAST TRINIDAD)
Results
Age 7-11
1. Grande Titans
2. Arouca Gladiators
3. Cantaro Champions
4. La Pastora Unstoppables
Age 12-15
1. Cantaro Champions
2. Arouca Gladiators
3. Grande Titans
4. La Pastora Unstoppables
Awards
7-11 Age Group
Cantaro Champions
Nathan Honore (Best Batter); Yumani Mitchell (Best Bowler)
La Pastora Unstoppables
Karen Jacobs (Best Batter); Samir Eligon (Best Bowler)
Arouca Gladiators
De John Cockburn (Best Batter); Israel Paul (Best Bowler)
Grande Titans
Jabari Adams (Best Batter); Evin Moffett (Best Bowler)
12-15 Age Group
Cantaro Champions
Stephen Rodney (Best Batter); Jaydon Simon (Best Bowler)
La Pastora Unstoppables
Ciara Phillips (Best Batter); Darren Pinto (Best Bowler)
Arouca Gladiators
Elijah Gilgeous (Best Batter); Kyle Felix (Best Bowler)
Grande Titans
Ashmir Jumadeen (Best Batter); Daniel Chaitram (Best Bowler)
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