Walsh
Former West Indies captain, Ambassador Courtney Walsh, says the setting up of his foundation, which was launched two days ago, has been long in the making, and for him is a dream come true.
Speaking at the end of the launch, which was held on the turf of Mona Hockey Field, Walsh, who retired from the game as the leading wicket-taker in Test cricket, said during his playing days he had wanted to give back to the development of cricket and young people, and had always envisioned a charity foundation.
"The foundation has been in my mind from the time I was playing Test cricket, but it is since I have retired that it has gathered momentum," said Walsh at the event, which was attended by a number of dignitaries, including Sports Minister, Olivia 'Babsy' Grange, National Security Minister Dwight Nelson, and former West Indies fast bowler and regional cricket board president, Wes Hall.
"For me it is a dream come true. I hold young people dearly, and believe that whatever one can do to show them a better way of life is the way to go. I am happy with the team that I have assembled, and hopeful that corporate Jamaica will see it fit to come on board," he added.
The foundation will primarily focus on three areas - a nation-wide community softball Street20 cricket for children in volatile inner-city communities; disability cricket, which will cater for the visually, physically and learning impaired; and a young offenders programme, which will see the foundation visiting juvenile penal institutions to teach the game and aid in rehabilitation.
The foundation will initially be sponsored to the sum of $7.5 million dollars from the British High Commission and $3.5 million from local telecommunications providers, Lime.
Minister Grange said she was pleased with the holistic approach of the foundation.
very happy
"We are very happy for the planned three pillars, which truly embodies the call of sports for all," said Grange. Hall, in his tribute, said he was happy to be alive to witness the venture.
"For me it is a red-carpet day for West Indies cricket, as a West Indies cricketer has decided to follow the footsteps of a number of great sportsmen ... and launch a charity foundation," Hall said.
Lindel Wright, first vice-president of the Jamaica Cricket Association, also spoke at the function. Walsh Foundation board of directors: Walsh (president), Billy Haven (vice-president), Rev Selvin Watson, Dr Christine Cummings, Joy Dickenson, Delroy Murray, Tony Becca, H.G. Helps, Michelle Wilson-Reynolds, Monica Williams, Dr Akshai Mansingh, Dennol Shim, Horton Dolphin and Charmine-Creary Beckford.
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