ICC Development Programme Awarded To BCB
The Bermuda Cricket Board [BCB] have been awarded with three ICC Development Programme Awards for 2013 including the most prestigious, Best Overall Cricket Development Award, The Volunteer of the Year Award and the ICC Lifetime Service Award.
President, Lloyd Fray explained the importance of winning these awards said, “The Best Overall Development Program is the most significant of the ICC awards and is a fitting validation of our work from PeeWee right up to the senior level.
“The fact that we have now won this award six in the last seven years is a testament to our work to date. Our programs are developed to teach resilience, self esteem and social skills and provides players with positive role models and mentors out of school and promotes healthy living and life-skills.
“I would like to take this time to thank the many volunteers and supporters that assist us in running and financing our many free youth programs, this award couldn’t be achieved without them.
“It is in this regard that I would like to congratulate Mr. Calvin Waldron for winning the “ICC Volunteer of the Year Award.” Cal’s work for the development of cricket in Bermuda truly demonstrates the BCB vision to “connect cricket from the grass roots to the world stage.”
“Cal volunteers his time in all facets of the game whether it be as a player, coach, administrator or manager. Cal is a quiet but very committed individual who never seems to stop! Cal is a Club Representative on the Bermuda Cricket Board, he is National Academy U13 Director and Coach and the Western Counties Treasurer.
“In 2013 he completed an intro level Umpire’s course and is often seen stepping in a Umpire or Match Manager during PHC’s local games [when he is not called up to play].
“Cal manages and coaches the PHC Youth Cricket Program which includes Under 8, Under 11, Under 14 and PDL teams and is responsible for overseeing PHC’s Facilities – he was instrumental in the creation of their new ground turf wicket in 2012. Cal plays an integral role in the development of cricket in Bermuda and we were honoured to put his name forward for this prestigious award.
“After presenting the Honorable CV [Jim] Woolridge, CBE [The Voice of Summer] with the BCB Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his contribution to Cricket in Bermuda during our 2013 Award Ceremony, I am pleased to confirm that Mr. Woolridge has been awarded the “ICC Lifetime Service Award.”
“At 86 years old, CV Jim Woolridge has spent over 50 years as a cricket commentator in Bermuda bringing cricket into the homes reaching the sick and the shut-in. Mr. Woolridge played his first match for Eastern Counties at 15 years old and has been one of Bermuda’s biggest fans ever since. We are thrilled that the ICC have also seen fit to honour Mr. Woolridge’s dedication and love for cricket in this way. ”
The ICC statement follows below:
The winners of the 2013 ICC Development Programme Awards for the Americas Region were announced today. Bermuda Cricket Board was the big winner, taking out three awards including the prestigious Best Overall Development Programme.
The Bermuda Cricket Board’s success in 2013 was highlighted by their quality educational services, national cricket academy and strong administrative structures which have ensured Bermuda’s ongoing success. This excellence was particularly evident through the 233% increase achieved through the introduction of a Player Development League, aimed at bridging the gap between junior and senior cricket.
The Lifetime Service Award was awarded to The Hon. CV ‘Jim’ Woolridge of Bermuda, CBE, who was recognised for his Lifetime Service to Bermuda Cricket through over 50 years of broadcasting.
Volunteer of the Year was won by Mr. Calvin Waldron of Bermuda. Mr. Waldron provided his services to the Bermuda Cricket Board as a player, coach, administrator and groundsman. Mr. Waldron, a National Academy Director, Coach and Bermuda Cricket Board Executive also provides his services as an Umpire and Team Manager for touring teams.
Cricket Brazil was another big winner in this year’s awards, walking away with Best Women’s Cricket Initiative and Photo of the Year(attached). Best Women’s Cricket Initiative, Pocos de Caldas project, involved a Twenty20 series arranged between Pocos Ladies and Brasillia Ladies teams. Through work of Development Officers and young players, the series was used as a platform to raise awareness and funds for Breast Cancer research.
The Best Junior Participation Initiative was awarded to East Bay Cricket Association, a member of United States of America Cricket Association (USACA). This initiative saw a 900% increase in Junior Cricket Leagues from 2011. These phenomenal results stemmed from a community based approach and the creation of a ‘family’ atmosphere.
The Argentine Cricket Association took out the Best Spirit of Cricket Initiative. Over the past 2 years, students from St George’s College have been spending time with boys and girls from Villa 21 & 24. St George’s College, Buenos Aires, is considered one of the finest schools in the region, which educates the children of some of Argentina’s most affluent families. In contrast, Villa 21 & 24 is a slum located in Buenos Aires and one of the most underprivileged areas in Buenos Aires.
The activities are aimed at children aged 15 or younger and are focused on creating friendships while learning the skills of the game. St George’s College has allowed the Caacupe team to utilise the facilities across weekends, while Cricket Argentina’s senior cricketers hope to teach English once a week as part of their community service in 2014.
The Best Cricket Promotion and Marketing Programme were won by The Chartered Institute of Management Accounts (CIMA) Canada, who organised the 6th Annual Toronto – London Youth Ambassador Program in 2013. The program uses cricket to build sportsmanship, bridge cultural, ethnic and social divides and serve as a medium that empowers and unites the vastly diverse communities across Toronto. Twelve young crickets were selected from Toronto’s diverse neighbourhoods to travel to the UK for cricket training in July, 2013.
This program achieved fantastic media exposure through major Canadian television networks, radio and newspaper reporters, as well as key corporate executives, public officials and municipal politicians.
The ICC Americas would like to congratulate all award winners on their achievements.
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