Sir Vivian Richards to grace Canadian cricket fundraiser as the team faces alarming financial problems.

Mike McLean

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 been unable to convert 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, devoid of sponsorship

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 3-4000 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 ODI official 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 8th November 2002 at the Toronto Cricket Skating and Curling Club with guest speakers former West Indian Skipper, "masterblaster" Sir Vivian Richards, and the Honourable Lionel Hurst, the Antiguan Ambassador to the USA. 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 a mere $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 .

Mike McLean

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