June 28 2003
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Courtney Walsh visits with BVI youth as part of Eastern Caribbean tour
Retired West Indies fast bowler, Ambassador Courtney Walsh spent an hour with members of the BVI under 17 cricket team signing autographs and discussing the sport with them at the A. O. Shirley Recreation Grounds. Walsh's visit to the territory is part of and agreement with Cable and Wireless to travel across the English-speaking Caribbean where the company operates, interacting with the region's youth to motivate then in positive endeavors. Walsh who visited the BVI in 2001, said although his time with the youngsters was shorter than his last visit, he was able to see them in action and encourage them to play the game. "I understand the sport is dying here," he said. "My time was short but I tried to encourage them to play the game and impart the knowledge I have for them to be successful." As a part of his trip, Walsh spoke at the general assembly of the Althea Scatliffe Primary School and presented a $3,000 check on behalf of Cable and Wireless under the company's Adopt a School program. The 2-year endowment goes towards sports at the BVI's largest primary school. "I'm happy that he came to see us and I'm grateful for everything that Cable and Wireless is doing right now," Andre Ryan said. "To bring down a star player like Courtney Walsh who has been on the West Indies team performing greatly, for him to come, meet us here, encourage us to help develop our skills, I feel happy right now." Ryan, a 15 year old spin bowler said meeting Walsh is like a miracle. "He has performed greatly. When he bowls his eye is always on the stump and he bowls straight online." Rohit Tangoturi said he was happy to meet one of the greatest bowlers in cricket. "He will always be an ambassador of cricket," he said. "When he spoke, I picked up that I have to be very disciplined and dedicated if I want to be successful in cricket." Sheldon John, 11 who currently plays with the East End team in the BVI Cricket Association league, said he learnt about discipline. "Mr. Walsh is disciplined and that's why he made it very far in cricket," he said sporting a Curtley Ambrose t-shirt. "His attitude wasn't bad and he listened to what people said. I learn that if you are disciplined, you can reach your goal in the future." John focuses on batting, but is also a spin bowler who at times is a medium pacer. Copyrighted
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