SIR VIVIAN RICHARDS CRICKET GROUNDS COMES ALIVE WITH THE SOUND OF YOUTH
Wednesday 9th February 2011
Junior Murray and Kenny Benjamin share memories and answer questions from young cricketers
"We love Cricket" was the chant of the weekend as the Sir Vivian Richards Cricket came alive
with the sound of 100 youngsters participating in the Kenny Benjamin Youth Festival INET U13 Sports Camp and for two days they took part in workshops, cricket drills and matches.
And the organizers are very pleased with the response:"The energy level was amazing given that many of the youngsters were taking part in activities outside of their comfort zone and were willing to give it their best shot," explains Brenda Lee Browne, one of the event's organizers, she added that the success of the sessions is due to the facilitators - Barbara Arrindell, Linisa George, Zahra Airall, Gavin Henry and the INET team who gave tips on Internet and Computer safety: "They really put a lot of energy into their presentations and engaged the youngsters in Public Speaking, Drama, Ethics and Morals and Physiology. We also had a wonderful team of volunteers led by Angela Maginley, Kenny Joseph and first aid volunteers from the St. John Ambulance and EMS. "
The energy level increased when the youngsters had Question and Answer sessions with former West Indies players, Kenny Benjamin and Junior Murray from Grenada, followed by special coaching session with Benjamin, Murray who were joined by Dave Joseph, John Archibald and Justin Joseph.
"Junior Murray really enjoyed working with the youngsters and is hoping that such an event can happen in Grenada. It was great to see all the youngsters, even the kids who do not play cricket or belong to any particular club joining in with the drills. This energy continued during the three cricket matches on the Sunday, which were incredibly competitive. Although one team was victorious, all the kids who participated are winners," adds Browne.
Kenny Benjamin although very pleased with the overall response and level of activity, expressed disappointment with the level of participation by adults and parents; “We had a handful of parents who came along, stayed for the whole day and observed the workshops and another handful of parents who came along to watch the youngsters play. We really want to encourage parents to get involved, to see how they can assist with the development of their child's team, club or school team. I know that as a young player the involvement of key adults helped me to reach the top and represent Antigua at the International level as a West Indies team member."
The success of the Kenny Benjamin Youth Festival - INET U13 Sports Camp is due to the close working partnership with its main sponsor INET, the leading DSL provider in Antigua and Barbuda and also the contributions of the following sponsors: Taryn Doram – Official Logo Designer; A.S. Bryden & Sons; Anjo Wholesalers; Frank B. Armstrong; LMR Signs; Best of Books; PIC Insurance; Sir Vivian Richards Cricket Grounds; the Rendezvous Company; Airport Hotel; Photogenesis and Paperclips Ltd.