MEDIA RELEASE - Friday, September 29, 2000
Everyone Enjoys Cricket Crazy
The Cable & Wireless Cricket Crazy Weekend held recently, was richly popular, attracting large crowds throughout the weekend.
From private clinics of the youth national cricket teams and open clinics for school age children to the Gala Dinner at the Marriott, and the exhibition match on Sunday at the Smith Road Oval Cricket Crazy Weekend had something for every cricket enthusiast. Even representatives from the International Cricket Council, Andrew Eade, Development Manager, and Rene Holfolt, a member of the Council, were present to see the development of cricket first hand in the Cayman Islands. In addition, Tony Cozier well-known cricket commentator and writer was there producing a special on the weekend blitz.
"Cable & Wireless was absolutely thrilled with the Weekend. The kids' clinics were amazing with more than three hundred youngsters. The dinner was packed. And a fabulous display of talent at the exhibition match on Sunday made the weekend complete", said Andrea Fa'amoe, Public Relations Manager for Cable & Wireless. Cricket Crazy was extra special this year with the admission of the Cayman Islands into the Red Strip Bowl, and it was not far from any cricket fan's mind or lips. The weekend started as early as Wednesday, with the arrival of Reon King, Franklyn Rose, Sherwin Campbell and Michael Holding. Sir Viv Richards arrived on Thursday just in time for the clinics, which seemed to be the biggest part of the weekend, The clinics covered the entire gambit of youth and so far this part of the cricket weekend seems to bear fruition with the number of youngsters now involved in the sport. The Gala Dinner was another sell-out affair with more than 370 people in attendance. The keynote speakers were the General Manager for Cable & Wireless, Mr Tim Adam and Michael Holdig, West Indian cricketer turned commentator. The dinner was one of the most important aspects of the weekend, for funds raised will go towards development of youth cricket in Cayman.
Mr Adam pointed out in his speech that Cable & Wireless was the telecommunications company of the Caribbean and that cricket was the game of the Caribbean. "What began as a small idea to bring back the sport of cricket to Cayman in 1995 has now become one of the largest and most anticipated local sporting events. It has grown to be a full-blown weekend extravaganza bringing out both young and old to enjoy this traditional and enduring Caribbean sport" he explained. "As most of you are aware, cricket was a popular sport her in the Cayman in the late 60's and early 70's. he acknowledged Jimmy Powell, Derek Wight, National Cricket Coach Theo Cuffy, U-15 National Cricket Coach Andy Myles and the CI Cricket Association for playing their respective parts in assisting in the recent growth of cricket. Michael Holdings opening remarks were "While things are not as bright as they were, they are not as bad as thy could be, he was referring to the lackluster performance of the recent West Indies tour in England.
He added, " Do not compare what is happening today with what happened in the good days, he reminded the audience that the West Indies lost some 26 test matches at one point.
He then went out to congratulate the Cayman Islands Cricket Association for being admitted into the Red Stripe Bowl and hoped that in time, Cayman would compete in the Buster Cup.
For more information contact:
Andrea Fa'amoe
Public Relations Manager
Cable & Wireless, Cayman
Tel: 1 345 914 0553
Cell: 1 345 916 6033
E-mail: prm@candw.ky
Cable & Wireless is a major global telecommunications business with customers in 70 countries. Its businesses around the world offer a range of services spanning broadband data, Internet and voice services. Cable & Wireless' priority for expansion is the fast growing market of IP (Internet Protocol) and data services for business customers. It is making major investments in developing advanced networks and services in the US, Europe and the Asia-Pacific region to build the world's leading global IP infrastructure. With the capacity of this advanced infrastructure and its presence in key business markets, Cable & Wireless holds a unique position in terms of global coverage and services to business customers.