CURRENT National Under-15 cricketer Shane Prince is the latest to benefit from Project “Cricket Gear for young and promising cricketers in Guyana,” the joint initiative of Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) Executive Member Anil Beharry and Kishan Das of the USA.

The St. John’s College 14-year-old fast bowler was the recipient of one pair of cricket shoes. Prince represents the famous Georgetown-based Demerara Cricket Club (DCC). At a simple ceremony held recently, he thanked the donors while Beharry pledged to continue to support young and talented cricketers in Guyana.

Total cricket-related items received/purchased so far: 13 coloured cricket uniforms, two trophies, 17 pairs of cricket boots, 30 pairs of batting pads, 31 cricket bats, 28 pairs of batting gloves, 21 thigh pads, three pairs of wicket-keeping pads, four arm guards, two boxes, nine cricket bags, six bat rubbers and six helmets. $330,000 in cash was also raised as well. In addition to the above, $600,000 worth in gear was donated by former National wicket-keeper/batsman Sheik Mohamed.

To date, 53 young players from all three counties of Guyana have benefitted from three junior gear bags, two trophies, four arm guards, 21 bats, two boxes, four helmets, 20 pairs of cricket shoes, 13 pairs of batting pads, two thigh pads, one bat rubber and 19 pairs of batting gloves.

In addition, two clubs in the Pomeroon area received two used bats. Pomeroon, Leguan and Wakenam Cricket Committees and Cotton Tree Die Hard also collected one box of red cricket balls each while RHCCCC received two, 15 white cricket shirts, one pair of junior batting pads, one pair of wicket-keeping gloves and a set of stumps and bails. The Essequibo Cricket Board and the Town of Lethem also benefited.

Cricket-related items, used or new, are distributed free of cost to young and promising cricketers in Guyana. Skills, discipline and education are important characteristics of the recipients. Talent spotting is being done across the country and club leaders also assist to identify talent. Progressive and well managed clubs will also benefit. Distribution will continue. Anyone interested in contributing can contact Anil Beharry on 623 6875 or Kishan Das on 1 718 664 0896.