Sunday, July 19, 2015

Sports: Gayle "hits Big" for the future at 2nd Foundation dinner






He's known as probably the biggest hitter in the game today (especially T20) and an inspirational leader.

But future WI cricket hall of famer Chris Gayle knows that real success involves succession, and in keeping the flow of new talent to the game vibrant.

Against that background Gayle last year went to his old proving ground of Lucas Cricket Club and, through his Chris Gayle Foundation, offered a real gateway for talented youngsters from the surrounding innercity to gain access to top-level competition and to learn the intangible yet vital "life skills".

Thus the mood was celebratory at the Jamaica Pegasus recently when Gayle, joined by several local and regional cricket luminaries (including Dwayne Bravo) and Minister of Sports Natalie Neita-Headley to recognize the latest cohort of the Chris Gayle Foundation programme.

Amid entertaining banter from emcee (and WIPA exec) Michael Hall, especially his boast about record figures of 9 for 7 in high school.....against a team from the School for the Blind, the young players, their coaches and other programme contributors were recognized (with special awards) and in turn paid their tributes to the programme and its illustrious founder.

Gayle for his part, pledged to continue his support for youth development through cricket, and urged the young charges to intensify their focus so as to take advantage of the tremendous opportunities that the sport presently had to offer to those who excel at the highest level.

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text and all photos: Michael AD Edwards


localjoe.myorganogold.com

2 comments:

  1. Mike: What a fitting tribute! Kudos to all who participated! (Please convey my best regards to your Nicky).

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    1. I know this is (very) late, but thanks for the comment - this is what I do, and events like the Foundation dinner and what they stand for are why I do it. Blessings

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