Guardian Group Herman Griffith Cricket Tourney births legends

Yesterday at the launch of this year’s Guardian Group Herman Griffith Primary School’s Cricket Competition, the sporting discipline showed that all those who had the privilege to play were well on their way to being the best in the game.

West Indies U19 player Jarion Hoyte and past Bayley’s cricketer was among those present at Guardian General Insurance Limited, expressed his love for the game and that it can be a long road. Hoyte indicated that when he first started out playing cricket at primary school he first had to cope with being benched before being able to play, but eventually he got the opportunity.

Being a participant in the Herman Griffith Competition assisted with his development, where he is now getting to rub shoulders with some of the best cricket leaders. This will include the 2018 U-19 World Cup in New Zealand. West Indies Youth Cricketer, Nicholas Kirton, also spoke about the path that cricket had set before him and how he was travelling the world because of the sport. This year he featured for the Montreal Tigers in the inaugural Global T20 Canada tournament.

This sentiment was echoed by Nigel Adams, Executive Manager of Guardian General Insurance Limited as he highlighted the renewed commitment of the company after 20 years of sponsorship.

“The Herman Griffith Competition is one which speaks legacy… The amazing journey of nurturing young, enthusiastic cricketing talent and transforming young aspirants into professional, world-class cricketing legends.”

The tournament brings together 47 primary schools from across the island to do battle in the attempt to dethrone defending champions Bayley’s Primary School. The first of the games are scheduled for today Wednesday, October 17.

MacDonald Fingall, Chairman of the Board of the National Sports Council, offered remarks to those present, including representatives from Bayley’s and runners up Reynold Weekes Primary. He said that sports was essential as it prepares you for after-school life, helping you to understand the importance of being on time. Even legends have to deal with losing and as such Fingall warned that though sports taught you how to win, it also helps you to cope with defeat and conquer fear. With all the lessons learned from being involved, sport instills positive identity and social values.

Current Captain of the West Indies Twenty20 team Carlos Brathwaite was also on hand at the launch. He encouraged the young captains of Bayleys & Reynold Weekes Primary Schools to enjoy the game and embrace every aspect of it. He followed up his words of support with action and pledged his support to the Herman Griffith 2018 Competition through the donation of a bat to the batsman with the most runs.

CEO, Barbados Cricket Association(BCA), Dr. Roland Toppin gave support to the competition. He said that the BCA believes in the transformation power of cricket in our social and economic growth and that they were committed to creating a pathway for this social game. (AS)