Promising Demerara Under-13 spinner Randy Latif has received a pair of DSC cricket shoes through the youth-development initiative operated by Anil Beharry of Guyana and Kishan Das of the United States.
The 11-year-old left-arm spinner, who attends Annandale Secondary School, received the equipment during a recent presentation attended by national youth coach Latchman Yadram.
Latif thanked the organisers for the timely assistance as he continues his development in cricket.
The first-form student recently represented his association in the Demerara Cricket Board Inter-Association Under-13 tournament. The competition helped selectors choose the Demerara team that contested the recently concluded Inter-County Under-13 Championship, which Berbice won.
The project’s organisers said Latif’s selection as a beneficiary reflected their wider goal of supporting disciplined and promising young cricketers throughout Guyana.
They added that the initiative was designed to keep youths positively occupied by encouraging their involvement in sport, particularly cricket. Several previous beneficiaries have progressed through the local system and represented the West Indies at various levels.
Latif is the latest of 108 male and female players from Guyana’s three counties to receive direct assistance. Many other players, clubs, schools, cricket committees and communities have also benefited from equipment supplied by the project.
To date, G$843,146 in cash has been received or used to purchase cricket equipment. Donations have included bats, balls, uniforms, cricket shoes, batting pads, gloves, helmets, protective equipment, gear bags, stumps, trophies and footballs.
Former national wicketkeeper-batsman Sheik Mohamed also donated cricket gear valued at more than G$600,000. The organisers said all cash collected is used to purchase requested equipment that is not already available.
New and used cricket items are distributed free of cost, with the selection process placing emphasis on talent, skill, discipline and education. Club officials assist with identifying deserving players, while progressive clubs that operate properly managed youth programmes are also considered for support.
The initiative has assisted players and organisations in Demerara, Berbice and Essequibo, including communities in the Pomeroon, Wakenaam, Leguan, Lethem, St Cuthbert’s Mission and the Upper Corentyne.
The organisers said the project would continue working to improve the lives of young people and contribute to the development of cricket across Guyana.
Persons interested in supporting the initiative can contact Beharry on 623-6875 or Das on +1 718-664-0896.
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