[dropcap]O[/dropcap]n Thursday February 15, at the Harbor Club in Rodney Bay, a group of eighteen gifted, teenage cricketers were ceremoniously instated into the Digicel Daren Sammy Cricket Academy. The Academy, which will see its first round of training from April 5 to 6, aims to tutor the athletes in the disciplines of the sport as well as assist them to harness their skills off the field under the guidance of head coach John Eugene and an international coach, the idenitity of whom will be announced at a later date.
During the launch, Digicel CEO Siobhan Alexander explained, “The Digicel Daren Sammy Cricket Academy is specifically designed to provide additional tools to players recognizing that the raw talent may already exist . . . We needed to design a programme which covers areas such as nutrition, mental focus and physical fitness which aren’t always readily available in other cricket academies.”
Daren Sammy, who was not only present at Thursday’s event but also addressed the audience of cricketers and their proud parents, gave his blessing to former Saint Lucian cricketer John Eugene as the camp’s head coach. Sammy stated, “I’m proud to say John will be heading that camp. He’s someone I admire a lot. He has done great work.”
The two regionally and internationally renowned cricketers highlighted for the students the opportunities that are laid in their paths regarding the availability of sporting facilities and playing fields — an upgrade to the makeshift sports areas and kits they used to nurture their skills as boys.
Sammy also offered the following advice to the athletes: “Out of hundreds of cricketers playing, you guys are the top eighteen, so I expect nothing but the best. I want you guys to work hard, that’s the only way you’re going to be successful.”
The selected players are Ackeem Auguste, Shakim Breen, Tarrique Edward, Sanjay Francis, Kevin Gassie, Desne Gidharry, Anslem Gittens, Ryan Goodman, Zaida James, Sky Laffieulee, Kamanie Laure, Noel Leo, Royce Paul, Sherqwayne Prudent, Daren Sammy Jr., Bolton Sayers, Stephane Theophane and Amari Venner.
The academy was brought to life as another initiative resulting from a long-lasting relationship between Daren Sammy and Digicel. Both entities continue to do extensive philanthropic work in the areas of sports, youth and community development.
