The Canadian Cricket Association (CCA) held its Annual General Meeting in Toronto November 17-19, 2000. The CCA wishes to thank all administrators and volunteers for their commitment and dedication to the cause of the advancement of Canadian Cricket. We must of course thank the 2001 Organizing Sub Committee chaired by Ron Aldridge for their outstanding game plan and for their outstanding patience while awaiting needed information on the ICC Trophy 2001 to be held in Canada from June 29th to July 17/18, 2001.

Clive Hitchcock, ICC Director of Cricket Operations, and Event Manager of the ICCT 2001 spent three days last week meeting with the '01 sub committee, with committee chairs, with members of the CCA, with Tournament Hotel Officials and also visited most of the turf pitches scheduled for tournament play next year. He was qute impressed with the Event plans and also provided much needed reassurance by the '01 Committtee that all necessary resources available from ICC will be brought to bear to ensure that all new deadlines are met. His visit follows up on the visits last month by ICC Chief Executive, David Richards and by Andrew Eade.

We thank CDH for his assurances and his obvious optimism. Further visits by ICC and by ICCT 2001 officials and managers follow shortly.

The CCA wishes to thank Jack Kyle, recent 1st Vice President (Past President for 15 years) and Karam Gopaulsingh, recent 3rd Vice -President and previously 1st Vice President and previous Chairman of Senior Selections during the Jack Kyle years) for their dedication and commitment, for their honour and integrity, and for their commitment to excellence and to their outstanding national perspective and vision. Words cannot express the invaluable contributions they have made to the national cricket association from 1978 to 2000!. We wish them continued successes in their areas of junior (JKK) and senior (KGS) cricket.. Jack besides his incredible work ethic and his devotion to excellence always found time somehow to devote to kanga and junior cricket and to Coaching and Coaching accreditation. His shoes cannot be filled by one person. We trust that even at this time that we can continue to count on his input and output. Thanks Jack.

Karam besides his Senior Selection commitment has recently found time for Team management duties with the Senior Squads in the rain affected 1999 Red Stripe tournament and in the 2000 Red Stripe tournament. Karam was also the CCA representative and on site Manager of the inaugural Americas Cricket Championships held in Toronto in August 2000. Without his 24 -7 diligence and passion, the duties of Chris Tetley, ICC Project Officer and of Andrew Eade, ICC International Development Manager, (who was supposed to be just passing through! -sorry Andrew, but thanks for being here and for pitching in, up to your shoulders) would have been even more onerous, if not impossible.

Another workhorse was and is Austin Ward, who again when the chips are down, will roll up his shirt sleeves and lead the work detail. Usually that work detail after Americas Cricket C'ship games was no more than 1 to 3 people. Austin never left some grounds until 10 p.m at night. Austin Ward, currently President of the Ontario Cricket Association, missed the AGM since he was attending his sister's funeral in Barbados. Things occur in threes? Austin's return has been delayed by two other family funerals this week. Our sincere sympathies to Austin and his family. Austin, Jack and Karam have displayed competence, durability and a tremendous work ethic. We shall need many hands and feet to match their gigantic output and productivity.

Replacing Karam as 3rd Vice-President is Ramesh Jagoo, (former CCA Secretary) and replacing Jack Kyle is Ali Hasanie (former 1st Vice President and current Quebec Cricket Federation President) in very close two- men races. Karam Gopaulsingh was victor in another tight two man race for Chair Senior Selections after Austin Ward's nomination was withdrawn.

Colin Harvey, CCA Treasurer for the past seven years, narrowly defeated Bhan Deonarine again in another two man race. In fact , the Chairman's casting vote was the deciding factor here!

Congratulations to all winners and our thanks for your willingness to serve, to all who volunteered their names. We trust that we shall see that same enthusiasm and interest for the many needed volunteers in ICCT 2001.

We also need sponsors and any leads to sponsors, especially for team preparation. This tournament is the qualifying tournament for the 2003 World Cup to be held in South Africa. The top three countries from ICC 2001 will qualify. Canada needs your assistance!

We especially need all the financial help we can get especially with the massive losses due to the cancellation of two Sahara Cup Events in 1999 and in 2000. Donations to the CCA generate Federal Tax Receipts.

A great indication of the growing maturity and sophistication of the CCA has been the re-confirmation of the "Staggered Elections for the Executive Committee" positions. In November 2000. The positions of 1st and 3rd Vice-Presidents and the position of Treasurer were open for re-election for a two year term.

In November 2001, the positions of President, 2nd Vice-President and General Secretary, will be open for re-election purposes for two years. The President, ( Dr. Geoff Edwards) 2nd Vice President (Martin Vieira) and General Secretary (Calvin Clarke) all actively serve on the 2001 Organizing Committee for the 2001 ICC Trophy which ends in mid July 2001.

Participating countries are reminded that all Canadian provincial associations are very close to terminating their willingness to host pre-tournament practice games on their way to Toronto and area, for the Tournament! All pre-tournament games whether in Ontario or in any other province will be on NON-TURF pitches. Victoria and Vancouver, British Columbia have some spectacular grounds and scenery. Edmonton and Calgary in oil-rich Alberta are also great venues. Malaysia has confirmed an interest in visiting Calgary. Central Canada boasts Assiniboine park in Winnipeg, Manitoba with its three cricket grounds. Western Hospitality is unmatched anywhere and Canadian cities are safe and welcoming.

Ottawa, the Nation's Capital and other venues in Southern Ontario and in the Hamilton & District League nearby the world renowned and spectacular Niagara Falls are also available as will historic sites and the friendly Maritimers in New Brunswick (Fredericton) and in ( Halifax) Nova Scotia.

The deadline for countries to set up matches in these provinces is December 10, 2000. BOOK EARLY OR SCEHDULES shall NOT BE CHANGED.( 12/10/2000.)

© CCA