Anthony Foster, Freelance Writer
President of the Jamaica Cricket Association (JCA), Jackie Hendriks (left), presents a copy of the JCA's ICC CWC World Cup 2007 'legacy plan' to Governor-General Kenneth Hall at Saturday's launch at Sabina Park. Jamaica's captain, Wavell Hinds (right), looks on. - Norman Grindley /Deputy Chief Photographer
THE JAMAICA Cricket Association (JCA) on the weekend outlined its objectives to 'cash in' on the benefits created by Cricket World Cup 2007.
In a six-plan move, the JCA announced its 'legacy plan' which includes 'Growing the Passion', 'Improving Infrastructure', 'Striving for Excellence', 'Establishing a Cricket Centre of Excellence', 'Special Events' and 'Securing Funding' at a special ceremony at Sabina Park on Saturday.
Paul Campbell, first vice-president of the JCA, said the plan was to optimise the use of enhanced infrastructure, increase interest in the sport and realise a secure fund generated by the event so as to advance cricket in Jamaica for years to come.
In reading from the 13-page plan, Campbell said the JCA believed that with a budget of about US$110 million, Jamaica has upgraded Sabina Park, constructed a multi-purpose stadium in Trelawny, improved roads, hospitals and the two international airports and trained volunteers, and his association was ready to reap the benefits.
"In pursuit of this mass participation and re-positioning of cricket as number one sport in Jamaica, an exciting project actually begins next weekend with the launch of the Community Tapeball Cricket Programme in four inner-city communities (Barbican/Grants Pen, Olympic Gardens/Bay Farm Road, Red Hills Road and Rollington Town," Campbell said.
These contests will take the format of a four overs/eight-a-side version of the game and will see about 200 youngsters learning the fundamentals of the game and there will be a grand final play-off on Sunday, March 4.
The programme will then be taken islandwide, while at the same time, the JCA plans to provide technical expertise at schools and clubs; utilise available cricketing "icons" living in Jamaica as mentors and role models, fully integrate women's cricket and promote cricket for disabled groups.
Additional facilities
Apart from Sabina Park, Campbell said, the JCA was identifying additional facilities across the island which needed upgrading. These included grounds in St. Elizabeth and St. Ann as well as Chedwin and Kensington parks.
Also, in places where the population supports it, the JCA will build a field, he said.
"The objective is to be able to offer, at every site, a superior cricketing environment for players, spectators and the media," Campbell said.
The association will also look at coaches and teaching as part of its overall plan.
"To get first-class players, the JCA plans to invest in first-class coaches and administrators so that the major talents in cricket can be exposed to the best coaches, fitness trainers, teachers, nutritionists and sports medicine that can be provided.
"A Cricket Development Fund (CDF) has been established to drive the continued growth of cricket and to ensure that the legacy facilities are properly maintained," he said.
The fund will be seeded from resources garnered from hospitality box revenues, proceeds from the World Cup and money generated from special events.
The CDF is registered and has an administrative board of seven which currently includes JCA president Jackie Hendriks, first vice-president Campbell, JCA treasurer Dave Cameron, Don Wehby, deputy CEO of GraceKennedy Limited, and Ryland Campbell, chairman and CEO of Capital and Credit Merchant Bank. The three other members will be named soon.
The initial injection is to be J$200 million, of which $100 million has already been secured from the sale of the hospitality boxes.
To realise the full amount, the JCA will need the help of the private sector, Campbell said.
