Shell renews commitment to young TT talent

CAPTAINS of the North Zone Under-15 team Aidan Samaroo (right) and his East Under-15 counterpart 
Andrew Rambaran (left), pose for a photo with TTCB CEO Suruj Ragoonath yesterday. PHOTO COURTESY TTCB
CAPTAINS of the North Zone Under-15 team Aidan Samaroo (right) and his East Under-15 counterpart Andrew Rambaran (left), pose for a photo with TTCB CEO Suruj Ragoonath yesterday. PHOTO COURTESY TTCB

SHELL Trinidad and Tobago Limited has renewed its commitment to the development of young cricketers in the twin-island republic.

This assurance was delivered yesterday by Kelli-Marie Patel, the External Affairs Advisor in the Port of Spain office of the international conglomerate, which has been involved in the lubricant business here for more than 100 years.

Patel was speaking at the official opening ceremony of the 2018 Shell sponsored Inter Zone Tournament at St Mary’s College Ground, St Clair.

“Shell Trinidad and Tobago Limited is deeply committed to the educational and sporting development of our young people,” Patel said while addressing members of the North and East Zone Under-15 cricket teams.

The Shell representative urged the youngsters to display their best qualities, to play hard and wished them much success during the new season.

Also present for the short ceremony before the start of the 50-overs per team competition was Suruj Ragoonath, Chief Executive Officer of the TT Cricket Board, and chairman of the North Zone of the TTCB, Winston Sobers.

Ragoonath, a former West Indies and Trinidad and Tobago opening batsman, welcomed the assurance offered by Shell to continue their significant support of youth cricket.

He said that Shell has been sponsoring the youth tournament in four categories, namely Under-13, Under-15, Under-17 and Under-19, for the past 22 years. And he told the young cricketers that they should keep an eye on the Under-19 World Cup which is held every two years, and make full use of the present opportunity to address the selectors.

“The trials start now and each one of you should begin preparing mentally, physically and technically for the task ahead. Remember you are representing your family, school and sooner or later your country and the region,” said Ragoonath.

He also impressed upon the budding stars of the importance of cultivating and showing respect for authority and in doing so, break the cycle of anger and resentment that is now common on the playing field.

Ragoonath said he has played cricket at the highest level and was not always happy with getting out, but that the umpires’ decision should always be respected.

“Instead of complaining and showing disrespect you must try to analyse where you went wrong and take personal responsibility for your errors and shortcomings,” said Ragoonath.

The top official thanked Shell Trinidad and Tobago Limited for once again partnering with the cricket board to stage the biggest age group cricket competition for yet another year.

South Zone are the defending champions in the Under-15 competition.

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