THE Simons’ Cricket Tournament was yesterday launched at the Imam Bacchus Learning Resource Centre, Affiance, Essequibo Coast.

The tournament, which is proposed to be an annual event, will be coordinated by the Central Essequibo Cricket Committee and categories Under-15, Under-19, Open and Masters will participate.

Speaking at the launch, president of the Essequibo Cricket Board, Mr Deleep Singh, commended the Simon family for their initiative in sponsoring such an exciting tournament and noted that it was a wonderful contribution to cricket in Essequibo.

Singh said that the launch will push cricket in Region Two a far way forward.

Chairman of the Essequibo Cricket committee, Trevis Simon, said that the activity started as a fun day for players in the village of Zorg, where the Simons are from, but was halted due to the pandemic. After careful consideration, the family decided to include other categories such as the Youth and Masters and extended the event across the Essequibo Coast.

He mentioned that Central Essequibo is all about grassroots cricket and would like to see youngsters given the chance to develop as well-rounded cricketers, and no doubt the tournament will be used as a stepping-stone for them.

The Simons expressed their appreciation to be involved in the development of cricket development and wish all the teams’ success in their endeavour.

The organisers are looking forward to clean fun and entertainment throughout the entire tournament and disclosed that winning teams and players with outstanding performances in each category will be in for a treat with hefty cash prizes and beautiful trophies.

The tournaments will commence on February 12 at various venues across Central Essequibo and promise to be very exciting.