This major multi-national, once the title sponsors of the regional four-day cricket competition (Shell Shield), has rekindled its association with West Indies cricket through a three-year sponsorship of the Shell Cricket Academy of St. George's University (SGU) in Grenada.

An initiative of the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) as part of its redevelopment plan, the academy is an elite three-month programme for 24 of the most promising West Indian players, aged 18 to 23 years old. It will utilise the modern facilities of the Cricket Institute which has been established at the university's True Blue campus. The academy will be held each summer and participants will be chosen by a Shell Academy Selection Committee after nominations have been made to the WICB by the six territorial boards.

The announcement of this three-way partnership between Shell, the WICB and SGU came during a launch ceremony at the tertiary institution this evening.

Signing Ceremony Photo WICB

Addressing the gathering in the Bell Lecture Hall, Executive Vice President – Eastern Caribbean Phil Snaith said: "We are very honoured and proud to be associated with what we all hope will become an instrumental part of the rejuvenation process for West Indies cricket in the years to come."

He termed this venture "a clear statement of our (Shell's) deep-rooted commitment to the future of this region; its development both economically and socially and the important part sport can and does play".

President of the WICB, Pat Rousseau, expressed the hope that those chosen to benefit from the academy would be encouraged to pursue university studies after this initial exposure to campus life at SGU. He added that the WICB also is determined to source scholarships for young cricketers who are keen to mix sports and academics.

Snaith Webster and Rousseau Photo WICB

The cricket head noted that this academy is just "one of the many building blocks on the way to (the West Indies) regaining the title of world champions". He announced that other measures in the Strategic Plan - approved at a Board meeting earlier today - would be presented to territorial boards next month to ensure full support before implementation.

Director of the Shell Cricket Academy, Dr. Rudi Webster, said the academy's curriculum could be christened the "four cornerstones of winning cricket – good fitness, sound technique, sensible tactics and strategy and good mental skills". He disclosed that past West Indies players, Cuban baseball coaches and SGU lecturers will be among those involved with the academy's programme which, apart from cricket coaching, will include basic computer skills, English, etiquette, public speaking, West Indies cricket history and money management.

In his brief remarks, SGU Vice-Chancellor Dr. Peter Bourne welcomed guests to the campus and outlined the university's 25-year operation in Grenada. The "cricket project", he stated, has been spurred by "the university's strong commitment to the community" and through this SGU can "contribute not only to the resurgence of West Indies cricket but also to the quality of life of young people in the region".

The launch of the Shell Cricket Academy was attended by numerous dignitaries including Grenadian Prime Minister Dr. Keith Mitchell, directors of WICB Inc. and distinguished past players.

© WICB