Rotary Club launches Maraval schools cricket initiative

SOME 170 boys and girls from four Maraval primary schools, Boissiere RC, La Sieva RC, Maraval RC and Paramin RC, have begun to benefit from quality coaching, with the start of the inaugural Maraval Primary Schools Cricket Programme, a product of the Rotary Club of Maraval.

The programme started on January 21 and will run until June, before restarting once again in September.

It was launched yesterday at the Queen's Park Oval – the home of Queen's Park Cricket Club, one of partners in the pilot project.

President of the Rotary Club of Maraval Jennifer Abraham, who delivered the feature address, said the programme is intended to be a regular feature for the four primary schools in the district, and "hopefully" expand to include schools in Port of Spain and beyond.

Abraham said, "[The objective] is to lay a foundation of a life-long interest in cricket; to give all children irrespective of their abilities an equal opportunity to provide physical exercise in an enjoyable form; to develop self-confidence; to develop ball skills which will be useful in other sports." The target is students between eight-11 years old.

Education ministry representative Mignon King, standing in for Minister of Education Anthony Garcia, lauded the Rotary Club of Maraval for their efforts in promoting sport and well-being to children at the primary school level.

King said, "Students who are encouraged to participate in sporting activities of this kind are better sensitised to the value of physical activity and the functioning of their bodies, while promoting optimal health. This level of health literacy is critical if we as a society are to sustain our youth and reduce the incidents of non-communicable diseases...which threaten their existence."

Each school will engage in 90 minute sessions once per week, from Monday to Thursday, under the guidance of coaches Ishwar Maraj and his assistant Roger Victor. The programme will conclude with a series of matches featuring the four schools in mid-June.