When Fitness 53 contributed funding to the Malteenoes Cricket Academy, it was just a gift of appreciation from Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Ramnaresh “Ronnie” Sarwan, who was among the eager youngsters at their inaugural Academy in 1993.
Fitness 53 Supervisor Kavita Goberdhan presents the donation to Malteenoes PRO Sean Devers at the gym at Providence
On Tuesday last, Fitness 53 Supervisor Kavita Goberdhan presented the sponsorship cheque to Malteenoes Sports Club Public Relations Officer (PRO) Sean Devers to demonstrate that Fitness 53, located in Providence, East Bank Demerara, is a good corporate citizen.
The two-week Academy starts on July 23 at the Club’s Thomas Lands venue. Each day’s sessions start at 09:00h and end at 15:00h with lunch provided.
The registration fee is $3000 and forms can be picked up at Malteenoes. Registration closes on July 20 and more information can be had by calling Malteenoes on 225-6509.
The 38-year-old Sarwan has 15 tons and 31 fifties from 87 Tests at an average of 40.1. He has played 181 ODIs, 18 T20 Internationals, and scored 33 tons from 220 First-Class matches.
Sarwan said that the Academy taught him not only the skills to kick start his cricket career but also lots of life skills that have made him a well-rounded person which has served him well much later in his life when he captained Guyana and the West Indies in all three formats.
Sarwan left his home of village Wakenaam and moved to Campbellville where he attended primary school and the Malteenoes Cricket Academy, and encouraged youngsters to register quickly and make use of an opportunity which he said could be the first preparation for a successful career in cricket.
Sarwan’s 291 against England is the highest Test score by a Guyanese; he is youngest Guyanese to play First-Cricket at 15 and he is the youngest West Indian to reach 5000 Test runs.
Sarwan is one of two Test players produced by the Academy; the other being Ryan Ramdass.
Sarwan said it felt good to contribute to the development of youngsters in the formative years of them learning about cricket.
Sarwan is presently in Canada and wished Malteenoes well as the Club provides a nursery for children who could one day be the next Sarwan, Chanderpaul or Hooper, the last three outstanding Guyana’s Test batsmen.
