… Consul General Choo lauds achievements

By Frederick Halley

TORONTO, Canada – Long-standing president of the Ontario Softball Cricket League (OSCL) Albert Ramcharran has called on players to adhere to the rules established by the City of Toronto since the league faces the prospect of having its permits cancelled.

In a message, marking the 23rd anniversary of the OSCL which was contained in its brochure for the annual presentation, dinner and dance held last Saturday, Ramcharan took the opportunity to remind members about the zero tolerance policy of the City of Toronto as it relates to the consumption of alcohol on permitted facilities without prior approval.

According to Ramcharran, “The league was again instructed by the authorities that violatio

ns of this policy could result in the immediate cancellation of its permits.”
The president pointed out that “we were also advised that group members ensure parklands are maintained and left clean. In view of this, I am pleading with players to adhere to the rules as established by the city since the league stands to lose permits for grounds.”

Speaking on the reintroduction of the white ball,

Ramcharran described it as one of the major decisions coming out of the 2018 annual general meeting with the majority of teams voting for the white balls to be used in all three formats (20-over, 15-over and 10-over) this time around. The white ball was previously introduced in 2016 for the Caribbean Sensation-sponsored 10/10 tournament only.

The OSCL president acknowledged that in 2016, the league embarked on an initiative to assist the needy in Guyana and “I am happy to report that this year, cash donations were made to the Prabhu Sharan Orphanage at Cornelia Ida, West Coast Demerara, Guyana. Vice-president Terry Mathura and secretary/PRO Frederick Halley, who were in Guyana for the staging of the Prime Minister’s Softball Cup and the Guyana Softball Cup did the honours for the league. Personal donations were also made on behalf of myself and vice-president Mathura.”

During the year, the OSCL participated in the New York Softball Cricket League (NYSCL) Independence Cup and the Guyana Floodlights Softball Cricket Association (GFSCA) Guyana Softball Cup but failed to reach the playoffs in both tournaments.

“It should be noted that despite repeated verbal and written requests for players to participate, the response was very poor, especially for the latter,” Ramcharran pointed out.
Ramcharran, also took the opportunity to extend congratulations to the winning and runner-up teams and all other participating teams across all formats in the league. “To my hard-working executives, once again a big thank-you for your sterling efforts in sometimes trying and demanding situations.

“You have stood the test of time and I am extremely proud of you. To our several sponsors, I say a hearty thank-you and look forward to your continued assistance.”
Guyana’s Consul General to Toronto, Anyin Choo, in her message, extended warm congratulations to the executive committee, membership and fans. “I wish to highlight that such an achievement speaks of the well-earned success of the league in the industry of sports.”

Choo pointed out that “for decades, the league has prided itself with keeping the game of softball cricket alive for the enjoyment of cricket-lovers and fans in Ontario, Canada and nurturing as well as promoting good sportsmanship in all its activities.”

Choo also recognised the league’s efforts in promoting educational and cultural activities for the benefit of youths and encourage them to continue to make a positive impact and showcase the diverse culture of the Caribbean and good athletics sportsmanship to future generations. She challenged the executives to encourage the participation of more women among its board.

Ontario’s Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport Michael Tibollo, in his message, said his ministry recognises the valuable roles that organisations like the OSCL play in “engaging us in sport and recreation, keeping us active and strengthening our communities.”
Tibollo commended the league’s continuing efforts to promote the sport of softball cricket to participants across the province and for providing opportunities for the cricket community to come together over a shared love of the sport.”