The BG T&T Interzone cricket tournament will celebrate its 20th anniversary on Tuesday, when this year's competition bowls off with action in the Under-19 division.Cricketers will also participate in the U-13, U-15 and U-17 Interzone competitions. At the launch of the tournament yesterday at the Queen's Park Oval, president of the T&T Cricket Board Azim Bassarath stated that the Interzone competition is a stepping stone for young cricketers. He said: "All of our present national senior team players and international stars are graduates of this BG T&T youth initiative."
Bassarath said the Interzone competitions have led to dominant performances by T&T's youth teams in recent years. T&T are current champions in the U-15 and U-17 regional tournaments, while the U-19 team has also performed creditably.The tournament teaches valuable life lessons to the youngsters, according to Yohance Ayodike, a Behavioural Change Consultant at Dolly and Associates Limited, another sponsor of the tournament. "It teaches mental toughness which incorporates self control, goal setting and teamwork which will help cultivate the complete sportsman."
Candice Clarke-Salloum, Policy and Corporate Affairs, BG T&T, also believes in the development of young people. She stated: "From 1994 to present BG T&T's investment in young people has been pursued as an investment in the country's future."