Saint Lucia’s young cricketers began the new year with a set of kits each donated by the management of the Saint Lucia Kings franchise and the National Lotteries Authority [NLA] to assist with their training at the recently established High Performance Centre.
On Wednesday, players and officials gathered at the Daren Sammy Cricket Ground [DSCG] players lounge for motivational talk and the distribution of cricket gear to the athletes who will undergo further training and development of skills at the HPC facility.
Notably, the government and in particular Prime Minister Philip J Pierre and Sports Minister Kenson Casimir along with the NLA were recognized for their support and input in establishing the HPC.
Wayne Auguste, president of the St Lucia Cricket Association [SLCA] and NLA chairman spoke about the prospects in store for the young players at the HPC.
“This is just the beginning in terms of how we intend to equip you all and equip the HPC,” noted Auguste, at the handing-over ceremony.
“We are not stopping short in ensuring that we provide you with all of the sports science support that you need. This is equipment towards your gear (stock) …and everything else you may need to ensure that you are comparable with an HPC anywhere in the region and in the world,” he added. “The difference would be (with) your attitude and making sure that we use the equipment to the best of our ability, and making sure that even on days when we are challenged, we find ways to be creative and still be engaged.”
According to the HPC management unit, the participants will also be receiving the assistance of a strength and conditioning coach, and a videographer “responsible for video analysis and performance analysis” to track the development of the athletes as the programme progresses.
Casimir, a former national athlete, commented on the ‘science of sports’ and his experiences as a collegiate athlete in the USA, while learning new strategies and techniques.
“This is really amazing with what’s happening, and getting the equipment is part of what’s going to really take Saint Lucia cricket to a next level,” the minister declared.
Looking ahead with optimism, Casimir said, other than the players developing into the “best in the region …and with the guidance we have from a very competent coach and staff that Saint Lucia is going to be producing the best in the world.”
Also included in the HPC technical unit is head coach John Eugene, assistant coaches Dalton Polius and Junior Derose and sports psychologist Adrian Mc Keenman.
The sports minister underlined the support of PM Pierre, who he stated is an avid cricket fan and is very much aligned to the development of players into “professional athletes”.
Casimir further disclosed that government has invested the sum of USD500,000 to provide “gym equipment for the Daren Sammy Cricket Ground and the Mindoo Phillip Park.”
Noting the importance of “strength training and conditioning”, he said, an athlete cannot attain full potential without a strong mental aptitude ingrained into the physical and skills component.
Casimir asserted: “We are giving you the equipment, we are giving you the technology and we are being scientific with our approach. And all we ask is that you put in the work …and if you guys put in the work with the guidance that we have, the people and the investment that we are making…it will definitely be beneficial to you and your communities.”