National Under-19 Cricket Team gets new uniforms

On the cusp of the Windwards Under-19 Cricket Tournament, VINLEC made a financial contribution to be used towards purchasing new uniforms for the National Under-19 team.{{more}}

On Wednesday, June 29, Thornley Myers, VINLEC chief executive officer, handed over a cheque for the sum of $25,000 to Lennox John, chief executive officer of the Windward Islands Cricket Board.

The tournament, which occurs annually, will take place in St Lucia from July 2 – 13, 2011.

Myers asserted: “It’s important for each national team to be outfit properly… we must represent in a dignified manner.”

He also highlighted the importance of supporting sports teams, especially in cricket, and its long term benefits.

“We would like to see cricket return to how it was in those glory days. This is a way we can contribute to the development of cricket in the region,” he said.

On a local level, Myers acknowledged that as the future of our nation, young people play an integral role in society, and being involved in sports aids in their personal and social development.

He also believes that Vincentian youths have the potential to become “stars” in the cricketing world – one such hopeful being Sunil Ambris, who is a fifth form student of the St. Vincent Grammar School.

Myers said that VINLEC recognised that Ambris has “special abilities” and has been assisting him in developing his talent.

Ambris, who attended the handing over, receives a monthly stipend from the power company, and also has his cricketing gear and gym membership paid for.

Additionally, Myers said that the company monitors Ambris’s progress at school.

“We have not only been interested in his development as a young cricketer… also in his academic development,” he said.

“Any youngster who shows talent and has the ability, and is prepared to work, we will be prepared to work with them to assist and participate in their development. We have a corporate responsibility.”

Lennox John thanked VINLEC for its continued support of cricket in St Vincent and the Grenadines, and its current generous donation.

John announced that Ambris will play with the West Indies Under-19 team in a series of matches scheduled to take place in Miami in July.

He also said that the fifth former is preparing for the Youth World Cup as part of the West Indies Under-19 team.

“Every opportunity is open now [to Ambris]…”

Ambris gave special thanks to VINLEC for their involvement in his achievements.

“They have been assisting me in every way possible. They’ve been like my second parents,” he pointed out.

He also thanked the SVG Cricket Association for its assistance.

Selwyn Allen, second vice president of the SVG Cricket Association, also attended the handing over.

He thanked VINLEC “immensely” for its financial assistance, and wished the Under-19 team the best of luck in its endeavours.

“Make us proud!”(JV)