Lower Estate Community presents gear to female cricketer

THE Lower Estate Community in St. George has banded together to assist one of its young budding female cricketers.
During a presentation held recently at the Sheffield Playing Field in Lower Estate, St. George, Roger Craigg, on behalf of The Lower Estate Community group, pre- sented upcoming cricketer Rianna Gooding – Forte with some cricket gear.
“I met Rianna five months ago and visited her home a few weeks later. When I arrived in the area, on enquiring about how to find her, I was told “She’s in the back”. I asked where and was told, “Go down the steps and you (will see her)”. On my way down, I saw her going through what appeared to be a bowling action. I asked her what she was doing, and she replied, “honing my craft”, Craigg explained.
He added, “This brought me back to my childhood days. There she was with stumps, alone, bowling at them, then walking down and picking up the ball, going back to the bowler’s end, and doing it all over again. This was impres- sive –things we did as youngsters growing up, when we had no one to play with or were told not to leave home”.
“It was there I realized her love, dedication and commitment to the game. Our conversation then led to her saying she was in training with the Barbados Senior Team for the Commonwealth Games and that she
would like to have a career in cricket. I immediately offered to help. I then reached out to members of the community, who readily accepted to contribute to this initiative” Craigg continued.
“So yes, we are praying for you, Rianna. The community is behind you. Stay focused, continue to reach for the stars, we are routing for you 100%. As they say; it takes a village. We are your village and we wish you great success in your future” Craigg told the budding cricketer, as he presented her with the new gear.
Mr. Craigg has meanwhile expressed special thanks to all those in the Lower Estate Community who made the presentation possible, by contributing to and supporting the initiative. (RSM)