Cricket development at West Dem Secondary receives massive boost
Cricket development at the West Demerara Secondary School has been given a major boost following the presentation of a large quantity of equipment on Thursday.
Some students and teachers gathered at the school, located a short distance from the Demerara Harbour Bridge, on Thursday morning to receive the equipment from representatives of the Alumni.
Making the presentation on behalf of the Alumni was former Guyana and West Indies cricketer Shivnarine Chanderpaul, his son Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Guyana Jaguars Super50 selectee Akshaya Persaud, and an ex-student of the school, Naveed Ali, local coordinator of the Alumni.
Former Guyana and West Indies cricketer Shivnarine Chanderpaul (fifth from right) presenting a bat to Headmaster of the West Demerara Secondary School, Harrinarine. Sharing the moment are teachers and students of the school, cricketers Tagenarine Chanderpaul (third right) and Akshaya Persaud (fourth right), and local Almuni representative Naveed Ali (third left)
The donation included cricket bats, batting and wicketkeeping pads, stumps, balls, helmets, gear bags and protective equipment.
Some computer supplies also formed part of what is an initial donation to the school from the Alumni, who are based in the United States and Canada.
Harrinarine, beaming Headmaster of the school, was particularly pleased to receive the pieces of equipment. He noted that the school not only has a vibrant cricket programme, but students are active in other disciplines.
The academic head, using the opportunity to boast of the students’ athletics prowess, highlighted boxer Mark Crawford and middle-distance athlete Joanna Archer.
While Crawford is a Caribbean gold medalist, Archer has also been on the podium at the National Schools Championships, the Inter-Guiana Games, Carifta Games, and the South American Championships. She is currently on scholarship in the United States of America.
The Alumni would soon make a second donation to the school, in the form of a gas- powered power washer, weeding machine, printers, computer supplies, and footballs and volleyballs.
Meanwhile, former Guyana and West Indies captain Shivnarine Chanderpaul addressed the students on the need for them to have a balance in terms of academic pursuits and excellence in sport.
He urged the students to stay focused on achieving their goals and setting high standards for themselves. The Caribbean’s most capped Test player proffered that, with hardwork, dedication and commitment, all goals can be achieved.
