The 2016 Scotiabank Kiddy cricket programme has been extended to 100 schools in T&T, from the previous mark of 48. This was announced by Scotiabank’s Senior Vice-president and Managing Director Anya Schnoor at the launch of the 16th edition at the National Cricket Centre (NCC), Balmain yesterday.
With the young participants looking splendid in their cricket gear, representing the different districts in Trinidad present, Schnoor said: “I am certain we all felt an immense sense of joy when the West Indies U-19 team emerged as the winners in the recently held ICC U-19 Cricket World Cup. Several members of the team who took the region to its first ever title at this level are alumni of Scotiabank’s Kiddy Cricket programme.
“We remain proud to be associated with a feeder programme such as this and it is because of the remarkable strides the programme has seen here in Trinidad and Tobago that today, I am pleased to announce that this year, the programme has been expanded. Boys and girls in twice as many schools will now benefit from the Scotiabank Kiddy Cricket programme.
“As such we have 100 schools participating in the programme, from, the eight school districts. Of this 52 are participating for the very first time. We are indeed pleased we are able to reach so many new schools year on year and for this, I take the opportunity to recognise the hard work and dedication of the TTCB in ensuring the advancement and continuation of the sport locally.”
Joining Schnoor at the launch was Marcia Gaudet General Manager of Human Resources at Scotiabank and Cindy Mohammed Manager—Public and Corporate Affairs, Sponsorship and Philanthropy. The bank also invited members of the T&T Red Force cricket team headed by Jason Mohammed and they showed up much to the excitement of the youngsters. Before the onfield action started, the children used the opportunity to speak to and seek autographs from the players.
Baldath Mahabir an executive member of the TTCB said the bank has shown that they have the best interest of West Indies cricket at heart and thanked them for staying the course for 16 years.
“Scotiabank has been a great partner to West Indies cricket and I am sure they will be around for a while. They have done a lot for the development of the sport in the region and they must be proud this morning to see some of the national players who at some time over the last sixteen years would have been part of the programme at their schools.”
The Kiddy Cricket programme focuses on basic skill development, geared at learning to play the game in a fun and explorative manner, while inducing strong foundation components of teamwork and leadership.
There has been steady growth over the last three years and with the banks’ commitment to continue the programme that number is expected to continue to grow.
The Scotiabank Kiddy Cricket programme is an important starting point for any young male/female who plans to play cricket and develop a love for the game. While the programme is focused on children developing early cricket skill sets, the leadership and academic elements ensures the development of well rounded students.