… calls on all Guyana to support as the team prepare for the 2010 Airtel Champions League

MINISTER of Culture, Youth and Sport Dr Frank Anthony took time out from his ministerial duties yesterday to meet and offer his personal congratulations to the victorious Guyana team who won the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) T20 tournament last Saturday. At the same time, Dr Anthony called on all Guyana to rally around the team and to give them full support, as they prepare to place this country further on the map in the gentleman’s game of cricket.
“We are extremely pleased with the performance of the team, winning the championship and making all of Guyana proud. Their impressive performance also guaranteed them a place in South Africa and we are proud of them.”
The Minister further stated that the government, in whatever way possible, along with the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB), would be offering assistance in getting the team ready for the Airtel Champions League T20 tournament in South Africa.
“In whatever way we can, we will offer our assistance. In the meeting I had with them, we talked about the use of the national stadium. As you are aware, we have other engagements taking place there at the moment, but the coach Ravindranauth Seeram will be giving us a schedule and we will be working around that,” Dr Anthony stated.
Skipper Ramnaresh Sarwan, along with Seeram, Steven Jacobs, Lennox Cush, Christopher Barnwell and Derwin Christian, all Demerara-based players, was all on hand to meet the Minister and Director of Sport Neil Kumar.
When asked about preparation and the importance of early preparation for the team, Sarwan said it was a vital factor taking into consideration, the importance of the tournament they are heading into.
“Early preparation is a vital factor for the team. We know it is not going to be an easy task, with regard to what lies ahead in the tournament. We are looking forward to the next month, as we are looking at getting a great start so that when we get to South Africa, we can hit the ground running.”
Sarwan was quick to point out that he has no idea when the 20-man squad would be selected, but what he was aware of is the encampment which commences next week, and hopefully the team should be selected by then.
He also sidestepped the question with regard to the contract dispute, a clear indication that the skipper wants to put same behind him and his team and focus on the job ahead which is to win the Airtel T20 tournament.
Sarwan also thanked the Guyanese public for their support over the past week and a half, while he was not hesitant in showering praise on Guyana’s latest find in Berbice’s Jonathan Foo.
“While I must say thanks to the public for the support they gave to us, I would like to take this opportunity to commend young Jonathan Foo who played a few brilliant innings, maybe the best of his life so far to see us through.
There was also Devendra Bishoo, Lennox Cush, Travis Dowlin and even Christopher Barnwell who all, in their own way, chipped in and made it a success for us,” stated Sarwan.
Sarwan continued to emphasise on the camaraderie of the team, which he felt was the best he has seen in a Guyana team for the longest while. Skippering the team was not bad as he had full support from every member of the team.
Dr Anthony wants all Guyana to come out and support the team, even calling on the public to do so during their practice sessions whenever matches are scheduled.