It is indeed a pleasure to welcome you all
as we celebrate the culmination of another successful year in GraceKennedy Schoolboy
Cricket. I would especially like to extend congratulations to the new winners
who have worked tenaciously to emerge victorious in the different competitions
this year, and all the young, honourable sportsmen, as well as the coaches receiving
awards here this afternoon.
This year, we are truly proud to see a new
cadre of winners emerging. That is a reflection of the level of competitiveness
within the sport and it is great to see that you continue to cultivate the seeds
of diligence, determination and discipline planted by so many of our previous
outstanding players.
The GraceKennedy Financial Group –
inclusive of the Jamaica International Insurance Company (JIIC), Allied
Insurance Brokers, First Global Bank, and First Global Financial Services
continues to invest approximately $9.5 million in Schoolboy Cricket sponsorship
annually. Since 2001, we have committed over $78.5 million to the sport, and I
can tell you, we stand proudly by this investment.
A significant aspect of
the GraceKennedy Financial Group’s sponsorship is the Douglas Orane Award, which recognizes and rewards
outstanding players who have accumulated significant bowling or batting
averages during the cricket season, while maintaining a good academic record. The
Award is presented annually to one outstanding student and includes a $100,000
scholarship per year, for three years, tenable at any locally accredited
university. Since 2004, we have invested over $1.3million in the Douglas Orane
Award to ensure that some of our most promising players can have that extra
support to push themselves to achieve even more milestones.
To the players, you continue
to rise to the occasion and stand out when it matters most. We know that with
the help of the GraceKennedy Financial Group, you will continue to improve on
your cricket talent, not just at the secondary school level, but when you move
on to pursue your tertiary studies, and beyond that even, for those of you who
will play for our national team, or even the West Indies. To the coaches and
the teams driving this competitive spirit that has upheld the good name of
schoolboy cricket, I say keep playing that fundamental role, the sport is
better for your efforts.
Being in Mandeville, of course
it is fitting to make special mention of Manchester High School for winning the
GraceKennedy Headley Cup for the first time in their school’s history, after sealing
a victory over five-time winner Vere Technical. Manchester High also moved beyond
that win to secure the First Global
Financial Services (FGFS) Rural Under 16 competition, as well as the Spaulding Cup; the All Island Title of Schoolboy Cricket Supremacy. (May I have
a round of applause for Manchester High School? – Thank you).
Manchester High, no one can ignore the hard
work that you have invested, and it is obvious that you are reaping the
benefits. Coach Barnes, well done to you and your staff, you have taken the
level of competitiveness a notch higher, to a place where I am sure it will be
emulated. But that does not mean you should become complacent, because I know
Mr. Ledgister and his staff and team at STETHS, as well as schools like Vere
Technical and all the other teams will be back with full force next year to
challenge you. Be ready.
To Excelsior High who
secured the Allied Insurance Brokers Urban Under 16 title for the
first time, and Jamaica College who won the First Global "A" League title, and Wolmer’s Boys’ who have secured their newest
hold on the GraceKennedy Shield since 1994, I say continue to excel. Continue to
invest the time, energy and patience required for you to sharpen your skills,
to master your talents, and to burst afresh to shine your light.
To all the teams in the various
competitions, whether or not you won this year, tomorrow is a fresh start. Be
the author of that book called life, be the composer of that melody, the person
who will look within to make that instrumental change that will stand out and
make you outstanding when the new season starts.
I challenge you to stay focused, I
challenge you to invest the time to develop your craft, and I challenge you to
become pioneers for the sport. Do something for your community, for your
school, even other upcoming youngsters, and I’m sure you will continue to play
a significant role in securing a better future for our country.
Seeing you all here today, and knowing how
many of you will be walking away with team and individual awards is a reminder
to me that the GraceKennedy Financial Group is making a worthwhile investment,
and we continue to urge you, the players, coaches and schools to set your
personal bar of excellence, and work towards achieving and even exceeding your
goals. Aspire for excellence in all aspects of your daily lives and you will
see how in doing so, you will make the world a better place.
Thank you.