Webster and Richards FOUR YEARS after the idea was first conceived, the first cricket academy in the West Indies was opened at the St. George's University in True Blue, St. George's, Grenada, on Monday evening.
In a lovely ceremony addressed by Dr. Peter Bourne - vice chancellor of the university, the Honourable Pat Rousseau - president of the West Indies Cricket Board, Phil Snaith - executive vice-president Shell Company Eastern Caribbean, Dr. Rudi Webster - director of the academy, and Dr. Keith Mitchell - Prime Minister of Grenada - in that order and attended by dignitaries from around the region, the Shell Cricket Academy of St. George's University came into being as part of the WICB's development plan.
The academy, initiated by the WICB, established and housed by the university, and sponsored by Shell who will fund the scholarships for the first three years, is an elite three-month programme for 24 of the most promising West Indian cricketers aged 18 to 23, it will utilise the modern facilities of the cricket institute which has been established on the university's campus, it will be held each summer starting on May 15 this year and participants will be chosen by a Shell Academy selection committee after nominations have been made to the WICB by the six territorial boards.
The facilities include outdoor practice pitches - four turf and two synthetic, a modern, well-equipped gymnasium, video technique analysis equipment, high tech classroom equipment and sports medicine equipment.
According to Dr. Webster, the four cornerstones of the programme will be fitness, technique, tactics and strategy, and mental skills, and past West Indies players - including the likes of Sir Gary Sobers, Sir Everton Weekes and Sir Vivian Richards, Cuban baseball coaches and sports medicine specialists and SGU lecturers will be involved in the programme.
Apart from teaching cricketing skills, the programme will expose the young players to basic computer skills, English, public speaking, etiquette, money management and the history of West Indies cricket.
In his opening remarks, Dr. Bourne said over the years, the university has been involved in social work in Grenada and that as head of the institution, he was proud it would not only contribute to the resurgence of West Indies cricket but also to the welfare of West Indian cricketers.
Snaith said "we are very honoured and proud to be associated with what we all hope will become an instrumental part of the rejuvenation process of West Indies cricket in years to come".
In reminding the audience the present state of West Indies cricket did not happen overnight and it would take some time to get it back to where it was, Rousseau thanked the university and the sponsors for their contribution to what he believes will help West Indies cricket return to its former glory.
Among the great past players present were Sir Everton Weekes, Sir Garfield Sobers, Clive Lloyd, Gordon Greenidge and Curtly Ambrose.
By Tony Becca
Senior Sport Editor
