Ganga Academy graduates urged to outwork peers

NICKOLAI MADRAY

The Daren Ganga Cricket Academy (DGCA) held its graduation ceremony for its 2017 student cricketers programme on Friday evening at Naparima Boys’ College, San Fernando. The ceremony focused on the importance of building the proper future for the youngsters as consistency and passion for the sport are integral to success.

Former national captain and West Indies batsman, Daren Ganga, Executive Chairman of the Academy, urged the young athletes to always put in the extra work and to continue working hard in order to stay a step ahead of their peers and competition.

“Greatness as a cricketer does not start nor stop on the field. It is not about being the greatest cricketer, it is about being a greater human being. Talent is just one step towards greatness, but always remember, if you do not act on that talent and work on things that hinder your ability, you would not be able to progress,” he said.

Ganga continued, “Not only are we celebrating another landmark as this marks our second year, I have seen a lot of talent blossom throughout the sessions.

Despite the direction of which West Indies Cricket and local cricket may be heading, I still have a lot of hope for cricket in the future, and I believe in the talent of the young boys and girls of the nation as they would be the ones to eventually lead us to victory.”

The training sessions were conducted by highly qualified, well-respected and knowledgeable coaches, namely, Ryerson Bhagoo, Rommel Ramiah, Richard Baboolal, Giatri Seetahal and Farrell Jugmohan. Another coach who was key to the Academy’s sessions was Ganga’s brother, Sherwin, however, he was absent from the ceremony due to his wife giving birth to his baby boy on Friday.

In May 2016, the Daren Ganga Foundation (DGF) launched its prestigious Cricket Academy, with the primary aim of fulfilling one of its strategic objectives as a charitable organisation. Dubbed a tremendous success by the management team, the Academy continues to focus on cricket development, nutrition, strength and conditioning by utilising a variety of teaching methodologies, and capitalising on cutting-edge technology. The young cricketers participated in both indoor and outdoor sessions, supplemented by classroom sessions at Naparima Boys’ College with coaching done via video lessons, bowling machines and pitch vision cameras.

Also giving an insight from a parent’s perspective, Michael Griffith, said, “I have seen my son’s (Yohann) confidence level grow, as before he would have been lost in the game, but now, he has evolved into an all-rounded player. He did not only learn the basics of the game, but he also improved his behaviour, respect for others and those in authority, as well as building an appreciation and passion for the sport itself.”

SPECIAL AWARDS

Beginner Group 1:

Most Disciplined - Saveer Needhan
Most Improved - Gabriel Seebaran
Best Batsman - Jacob Ramrattan
Best Bowler - Sagarika Sarker

Beginner Group 2:

Most Disciplined - Matthius Mahabir
Most Improved - Mehki Dillon Clarke
Best Batsman - Vian Bhagoo
Best Bowler - Darrian Ramdial
Most Valuable Player (MVP) Overall Beginner - Nico Davis-Rocke

Intermediate Group:

Most Disciplined - Irfan Mohammed
Most Improved - Samuel Stewart
Best Batsman - Kimraj Singh
Best Bowler - Ethan Harripersad
MVP - Macario Morton

Advanced Group:

Most Disciplined - Shane Deokienath
Most Improved - Yohann Griffith
Best Batsman - Damien Bissoondath
Best Bowler - Justin Bridgemohan
MVP - Jed Adolphus