As you are aware, Canada has qualified to participate in the World Cup of Cricket in South Africa in February and March 2003. This is a tremendous achievement on the part of the players (amateurs) and lovers of cricket in Canada. Every cricketer's dream is to play international cricket, if possible, for his or her country at the international level. Many do not achieve this goal.

In achieving this goal the members of Canadian teams have made great personal sacrifices through commitments of time, practice, travel, tours, use of vacation time, receiving no or very little money while playing for Canada, unpaid leave, loss of jobs (in some cases) and strains on family life.

The situation is worsened by the limited funding available to Associate (and Affiliate) ICC members, including the member Canadian Cricket Association; the lack of support (at present) from the Canadian Government, the limited opportunity to raise funds through charging spectators to watch cricket, but most importantly no television revenues and their marketing opportunities.

It is hoped that if Canada performs well at The World Cup, as well as performing well at the U-19 level, that One Day Cricket official status by 2006 and Full Member status by 2011 are attainable, but we must meet all ICC required criteria. This will enable Canada to host the top cricket nations in Canada for matches between Canada and these teams. This will increase the prospect of ticket revenues and provide more opportunities for corporate sponsorship of cricket. In the meantime we must continue to host `A' teams and Full Member matches and acquire funds to so do. Until this occurs we must rely on other methods of fund raising.

Canada participates in the World Cup and a Group `A' 2007 World Cup Qualifying series of games next year, and will also be participating at the U-19 qualification level in 2003 to name a few. There will Americas and Canada vs. USA games to promote and to fund as well.

In order to assist the players in their preparation for and participation in the World Cup a fund raising dinner is planned for Friday 8th November 2002 at the Toronto Cricket Skating and Curling Club at 141 Wilson Ave. E., Toronto. The guest of honour, courtesy of the Antigua and Barbuda Association of Toronto, is Sir Vivian Richards, WICB Chair of Selections and the ex West Indies captain. This precedes the Antigua and Barbuda Independence Ball on Saturday evening. Anne-Marie Russell, Patsy Henry and other Committee members are spearheading local celebrations. Please attend and show your appreciation for Sir Vivian's outstanding accomplishments during his visit.

The Dinner, obviously highlighted by the "Master Blaster's presence, will also feature appropriate speeches and feature activities such as draws and auctions. PEPSI COLA CANADA has offered support and sponsorship of this event. We are hoping to obtain additional support and sponsorship from other companies. The goal is to have the entire cost of the event covered by sponsorship. Support the players representing Canada at the World Cup.

All proceeds from the evening at the TCS&CC, will go to the players who are selected to the World Cup squad. Tickets for the evening are $100.00 each. This amount will cover dinner and two bottles of wine per table. There will be a cash bar available. Auctions and draws will be extra.

Please advise all of your cricket and business contacts of this event and encourage them to buy tickets to support this very worthy cause. Put together a group from your office, club or friends and buy a table or tickets to the event.

Volunteers are needed to sell tickets. Please contact Howard Petrook at howardp@kbytes.com and to purchase your tickets. Alternatively contact Trevor Ramhalo at rovert01@rogers.com or buy them from designated ticket sales volunteers. Tickets can also be purchased via a charge card please complete the required form and e-mail it to Howard, or fax to 905-856-1461.

CCA contacts are Calvin Clarke at cclarke15@yahoo.com or Austin Ward at canada@cricamericas.com or any CCA, OCA or T&DCA Director. Tax receipts are of course available for any donation to the Canadian Cricket Association, regardless of whether you are able to attend this fundraiser or not.

Cricket, lovely Cricket. Thanks Sir Viv. Thanks Antigua & Barbuda.

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