Young cricketers from the Malteenoes Sports Club Cricket Academy were given an opportunity to interact with members of the West Indies team yesterday, as Unicomer (Guyana) Inc. hosted the official Windies Experience at Courts’ Mega Store on Main Street ahead of tomorrow’s first ODI against New Zealand at Providence.
The event, held in partnership with Cricket West Indies, brought together about 20 academy players with members of the West Indies contingent, including Guyanese players Shamar Joseph, Gudakesh Motie and Keemo Paul, along with St. Lucian batter Ackeem Auguste.
A major part of the initiative was Unicomer’s donation of $500,000 to the Malteenoes Sports Club to support the continued development of its academy programme. The contribution is expected to assist with coaching, matches and other opportunities for young players.
Unicomer’s Managing Director, Gillian Matthews, said the company was pleased to contribute to the development of West Indies cricket, especially at the grassroots level. She noted that investing in people and supporting sport were important parts of the company’s work in the community.
Matthews added that Malteenoes, which has been part of the local sporting landscape since 1902, continues to play an important role in developing young cricketers. She said the support was aimed at helping the next generation enjoy more coaching, more games and more meaningful cricket experiences.
Director of Sport Steve Ninvalle also praised the initiative, saying it was important to continue nurturing future cricket talent in Guyana. He thanked Courts for helping to make the pathway smoother for young athletes and wished the West Indies team success ahead of the opening match.
Ninvalle said the growing number of regional and international events being hosted in Guyana was not accidental, but the result of careful planning to strengthen the country’s sporting landscape.
Banks DIH Public Relations Executive Sonia Forrester also welcomed the partnership, saying the company was proud to support an initiative that celebrated the future of sport and helped connect young athletes with the West Indies team.
Cricket West Indies Events Manager Dario Barthley said the Windies Experience was another sign of CWI’s commitment to growing the game across Guyana and the wider Caribbean. He said partnerships with entities such as Unicomer and Banks DIH were important to strengthening the commercial side of West Indies cricket while also creating value for communities.
Barthley expressed gratitude to the partners involved and wished the West Indies team success in Guyana and throughout the series against New Zealand.
The first ODI between West Indies and New Zealand is set for tomorrow at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence.
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