The little village of Cunaripo in east Trinidad is still basking in the success of it's primary school cricketers who recently clinched the Atlantic Under -13 national championships.And the youngsters of Cunaripo Presbyterian School were honored for their sterling achievement at a function which was attended by president of the T&T Cricket Board Azim Bassarath.Also in attendance to acknowledge the outstanding performances of the cricketers were Arjoon Ramlal, general secretary of the T&TCB and Susan Boyce-Reece, recently appointed Schools Supervisor I and line official for the educational district.
T&TCB president Bassarath, whose home team St Mary's Government was beaten in the final by Cunaripo reminded the victorious cricketers that discipline is the cornerstone of the game of cricket.He implored parents to guide their children to always respect and observe the decision of the umpires and to teach by example to ensure that the youngsters continue to show good behaviour.Bassarath said the cricketers were at the age when they will be called upon to take full responsibility for their actions and they must be taught hard work brings it's rewards.
He said that just like the Cunaripo cricketers who virtually live "behind God's back" he came from the village of Moruga in the deep south and worked hard to reach the presidency of the T&TCB.
He told them that they should not allow their background or the challenges they face distract them from achieving their true potential.Principal of Cunaripo Presbyterian School, Josephine Sam who related the hurdles the young boys faced on they way to the national title including having to play with borrowed equipment from the nearby All Stars Sports Club.Sam, whose late husband was also a former principal of the school and was instrumental early on in encouraging the boys to play cricket had a dream Cunaripo would one day claim national honours.
She said success would not have been possible without the support of the school's staff whose Brenda Soodeen was seconded to the team while coach Deochan Mahabir was assisted by Rajesh Mahase and Bobby Partap who all made great sacrifices.
Ramlal, president of the North East Zone of the T&TCB said Cunaripo has a history of playing cricket and its players were the beneficiaries of the PowerGen Coaching Programmme.He said two players, Ricardo and Jewan Sam have gone out to represent T&T while others have chosen to play club cricket to assist their development as the district's cricketers have impressed all who have seen them in action.Apart from trophies donated by the Sports Company, the cricketers were also presented with valuable hampers provided by Nestle.
Cunaripo team:
Andy Mahase, Anderson Mahase, Dillon Partap, Tishan Ramroop, RussellnOrosco, Christopher Orosco, Christian Ramroop, Ameer Ali, Joshua Singh, Randy Samaroo, Emmanuel Garcia, Jonathan Seepersad, Nathan King, Joel Beharry