THE Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) and long-time partner, National Milling Company (NAMILCO), joined forces yet again, as they launched the ground-breaking Secondary Schools coaching programme, targeting institutions across the Ancient County.
During Wednesday’s press conference held at NAMILCO’s East Bank site, BCB president Hilbert Foster, NAMILCO’s Managing Director Bert Sukhai, Operations Manager Ralf Hemsing, Financial Controller Fitzroy McLeod and other BCB executives inked the huge deal. Foster said the BCB has worked beyond the call of duty and with that in mind, has sought to organise such an event to further develop its youths. Some 23 secondary schools, – 6 from Region 5 and 17 from Region 6 – will be the focal point for the coaching team led by Winston Smith. According to Foster, some 300 plus playing uniforms will be issued as part of the primary school programme, adding that BCB is seeking to erect practice nets across every school in Berbice.
Mr. Sukhai said he was pleased to be on board again, as the board and the milling giant have forged a strong relationship over the years. He said they have been involved for a long time and when Foster approached about sponsoring, he readily agreed. “Proud to be a part of the activity with the Berbice Cricket Board; we are seeing results on the international level and we are proud to be a sponsor,” he said.
The BCB members reassured NAMILCO that the tourney will be well organised, with a start time of mid-September on the cards. A U21 and 1st Division Rose Hall Team, along with some 19 coaches, will be working across Berbice, as most, if not all clubs now have permanent coaches. Foster hinted at possible visits from West Indies legend Sir Viv Richards and former captain, Darren Sammy as part of their clinics that are hosted by ex-West Indies stars.
Meanwhile, McLeod added that young people who represent the nation at any sport or level are a great investment. He outlined that NAMILCO will continue to provide for the future, as they see the opportunity to expand the nutritional well-being of athletes and Guyanese alike. (Clifton Ross)
Source: Guyana Chronicle