Cricket West Indies Welcomes More Than 350 Summer Camp Students to Fun and Engaging Day at Test Cricket
ST. JOHN'S, Antigua - Cricket West Indies (CWI) welcomed more than 350 children in addition to over 50 chaperones from 11 summer camps across Antigua and Barbuda to the opening day of the second Test between the West Indies and Sri Lanka at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium on Friday, July 3, as part of its ongoing commitment to growing the game and inspiring the next generation of cricketers and fans.
The hundreds of young people were given the opportunity to experience the excitement, tradition and atmosphere of international Test cricket firsthand, many for the very first time.
Upon arrival at the stadium, the children and accompanying adults were warmly greeted by the CWI team before being escorted to their designated seating areas, where they enjoyed a full day of world-class cricket while learning more about the unique rhythm, strategy and heritage of the longest format of the game.
Beyond the action in the middle, the children were immersed in a range of interactive activities designed to bring them even closer to the sport.
A major attraction was the Cricket Skills Corner, where practice nets allowed aspiring young cricketers to showcase their batting and bowling abilities under the guidance of local development coaches, who offered practical tips and encouragement throughout the day.
CWI CEO Chris Dehring said:
"Cricket West Indies last year took the unprecedented step to establish it as a ‘human right’ of every West Indian child to attend cricket for free, and this right will be afforded to them at every Caribbean venue in every format of the game. We believe every child who walks through the gates of a cricket stadium should leave with a deeper appreciation for the game and a sense that they are part of the West Indies cricket family. Initiatives like this are about creating lasting memories, inspiring future players and supporters, and ensuring that the next generation develops a genuine connection with our great game.”
“I want to express my sincere gratitude to the summer camp organisers, parents and volunteers whose partnership and support helped make this day a success. Together we are helping to expose young people to the game and strengthen the support and future of West Indies cricket,”
he added.
Not surprisingly a hit with many of students was the vibrant Kids Zone set up in the Party Stand, where rides, games and other family-friendly attractions created a fun-filled festival atmosphere, making the stadium experience memorable both on and off the field.
The initiative forms part of Cricket West Indies' broader strategy to make international cricket more accessible and engaging for young people across the region. It builds on the expansion of the Kids FREE programme that now sees all children 16-years and under being granted free entry to all West Indies matches in the Caribbean. It also follows recent fan engagement programmes, including the Ladies Free initiative and the continued expansion of family-friendly match-day experiences, all aimed at encouraging more communities to enhance their connection to and with West Indies cricket.
By introducing children to the excitement of live international cricket in an engaging and interactive environment, CWI hopes to spark a lifelong passion for the game, whether as future players, officials, volunteers or devoted supporters.
Camps in attendance:
Heritage House
Grass Roots Academy
Future Nation Academy
La Petite Learning Centre
Kids Unlimited School
Busy Bee's Summer Camp
Mill Academy
Barbara Arrindell Reading Summer Camp
Divine Academy of Excellence
Summer Club Camp
Mellokz Summer Camp
Photo Credit: Melisa Desir | @beeyou.media