Skeldon Line Path, New Amsterdam Secondary receive cricket balls

Skeldon Line Path Secondary and New Amsterdam Secondary have each received nine red cricket balls to assist with preparations for the upcoming national schools’ cricket competition sponsored by the Beharry Group of Companies.
The donation was made through the “Cricket Gear for Young and Promising Cricketers in Guyana” initiative, coordinated by Anil Beharry of Guyana and Kishan Das of the United States of America.
Skeldon Line Path Secondary headmaster and former Region Six Deputy Regional Executive Officer Imran Ally received the balls on behalf of the schools and expressed appreciation for the support.
The project’s organisers also commended the Beharry Group of Companies for its investment in the national schools’ tournament, noting that the competition could help identify new cricket talent across Guyana.
The initiative seeks to support promising male and female cricketers while encouraging young people to become involved in sport and remain focused on discipline and education. Over the years, several beneficiaries have progressed to represent Guyana and the West Indies at various levels.
To date, 106 players from Guyana’s three counties have directly benefited from cricket equipment and financial assistance. The support distributed includes 43 bats, 42 pairs of batting gloves, 38 pairs of cricket shoes, 22 pairs of batting pads, 25 thigh pads, six helmets, wicketkeeping equipment, gear bags and other items. Many other players have benefited indirectly through donations to schools, clubs, cricket boards and community organisations.
Among the previous beneficiaries are the Essequibo Cricket Board, Demerara Cricket Board, Pomeroon, Leguan and Wakenaam cricket committees, the Town of Lethem, Malteenoes Sports Club, Georgetown Cricket Club, Tucber Park Cricket Club, Port Mourant Cricket Club, Blairmont Cricket Club and Cotton Tree Die Hard Cricket Club.
Lower Corentyne Secondary, Corentyne Comprehensive, JC Chandisingh Secondary, Berbice High, Tagore Memorial Secondary and several other schools and youth programmes have also received assistance.
Individual beneficiaries have included West Indies fast bowler Shamar Joseph and young cricketers Nehemiah Hohenkirk, Shamar Apple, Thaddeus Lovell, Adrian Emmanuel, and Makhaya Jones.
The project has so far received or purchased GY$786,146 in cash and a wide range of cricket equipment, including uniforms, shoes, batting pads, bats, gloves, helmets, stumps, balls and gear bags. Former national wicketkeeper-batsman Sheikh Mohamed also donated equipment valued at more than GY$600,000.
All monetary contributions are used to purchase equipment requested by beneficiaries when the required items are not already available. New and used equipment is distributed free of cost, with talent, discipline and commitment to education among the qualities considered when selecting recipients.
The organisers also work with club officials and other cricket stakeholders to identify talented players nationwide. Progressive, well-managed clubs with active youth programmes are also eligible to receive assistance.
Beharry and Das thanked the many individuals, businesses, cricket clubs and organisations in Guyana and overseas that have supported the venture. They also expressed appreciation to the media for continuing to promote the project.
Distribution will continue across the country. Anyone interested in contributing can contact Beharry on 623-6875 or Das on +1-718-664-0896.