Sir Viv to Speak at Canada Cricket Fundraiser

Canada has qualified to participate in the World Cup of Cricket and whilst this is a tremendous achievement on the part of captain Joe Harris and the players, the future remains uncertain. Despite the cozy feeling that remained after qualifying last year in Toronto, the current administrators of the game here in Canada have proven themselves to be completely incapable of converting that catalyst into any form of sponsorship for the team. The last time I looked, Canada was the only country destined for South Africa in such poor fiscal shape.

Every cricketer?s dream is to play international cricket for his or her country at the highest level, and in achieving this goal, the Canadian players have made great personal sacrifices through their individual commitments of time for practices, travel, tours, vacation time; all the while receiving little or no remuneration.

When compensation is available, it is often at the level of the "minimum wage". The players have had to endure unpaid leave, loss of jobs (in some cases) and significant strains on family life. The situation has been exacerbated by the almost complete lack of Government funding available for cricket. This is despite an estimated 3,000 - 4,000 cricketers who play on a regular basis weekly in the Toronto area alone, and who consider cricket to be their favourite participation sport. There are an estimated 200 Schools, League and Private Clubs in the city and its surrounds.

However, there is a plus side. It is hoped that if Canada performs well at World Cup 2003, the country will be awarded official ODI status, thereby enabling Canada to host the top cricket nations at home. This will increase local interest, ticket revenues and hopefully provide more opportunities for corporate sponsorship.

In order to help our players, a fund-raising dinner is planned for Friday November 8, 2002 at The Toronto Cricket Skating and Curling Club. The club is delighted to announce that the Guest speakers will be Sir Vivian Richards, and the Honourable Lionel Hurst, the Antiguan Ambassador to the USA, and all profits from the evening will go directly to the players. Tickets for this wonderful evening, which will include other fund-raising activities such as draws and auctions, are priced at $100.00 each.

Please advise all of your Canadian-based cricket and business contacts of this event and encourage them to buy tickets, to support this very worthy cause. To enquire further and/or to purchase tickets, please contact Howard Petrook at howardp@kbytes.com or Trevor Ramhalo at rovert01@rogers.com.

The Canadian Cricket team are indebted to Pepsi Cola Canada for their early promise of support. The Canadian players and the Toronto Cricket Club would like to also express their deepest gratitude to Sir Vivian and the Hon. Mr. Hurst for their willingness to participate and help the team prepare.

* Dr. Mike McLean, a West Indies and Canadian cricket supporter, living in Toronto, Canada.