The annual Cable & Wireless Cricket Crazy Weekend was once again a huge success with the turn out of participating children estimated the largest ever.

This year Cayman was extremely fortunate in that C&W was able to secure the services of great West Indies players of the present, past and not so distant past. Cricket Crazy Weekend does not seem the same without the ever-present Courtney Walsh and it meant much more than usual to the Cayman public to be able to have him, the world record holder of most wickets in Test cricket history, in Cayman again.

The other West Indian stars to accompany Walsh were his famous bowling partner, also recently retired Curtley Ambrose, one of West Indies and cricket's greatest opening batsmen and newly appointed Senator of Barbados Desmond Haynes and last but not least, West Indies present wicket keeper batsman Ridley Jacobs. What a combination!

It was an exciting weekend as the children got the most out of the stars asking questions, getting cricket tips and coaching and having a field day with autographs. Yes, the grown ups joined in and had a great time.

The weekend consists of-
Thursday- call in radio programme -involving C&W Donna Bush, CICA national coach Theo Cuffy, Ridley Jacobs and Courtney Walsh. Questions ranged from local cricket, C&W sponsorship, West Indies cricket present and future and Courtney's retirement plan.

Friday- all the stars visited George Hicks High School addressed an assembly giving the youngsters their views on the riches of sports mixing with academics, answer questions, took part in a quiz and off course signing autographs.

The evening session was a coaching one involving the national under 15 and under 19 squads. Courtney and Ridley worked with the U/15 and Desmond and Curtley the U/19. At the end Desmond give a half an hour talk on the art of batting. At one time there was only the youngsters but within 5 minutes all at the ground gathered listening to words of wisdom coming from the source itself.

The day ended with the annual and now famous fund- raising dinner at one of Cayman's top hotels, the Marriott. This function raises money for our youth programme and was well attended by politicians, Government members and cricket lovers.

Saturday- open clinic- the stars faced their biggest challenge, which is always hectic but fun. Despite the rains a large group of children (225) turned out to take advantage of the coaching.

In the afternoon, the stars had the opportunity to see Cayman national youth players in action as the U/19 team played against the U/15 combined with masters. As usual, the crowd was there getting much sought after autographs.

Every year a motivational seminar is held. This year was no different. 40 specially selected youths were treated to this session asking questions and getting to better understand the making of these great cricketers. It was as usual 2 hours of an experience in life than is enjoyed totally as the stars freely mixed and chatted with Cayman's youth.

Sunday- the rains came and never stopped until late in the afternoon. Yes, rain stopped play! Every year the C&W Cricket Crazy Weekend ends with an exhibition match featuring the West Indian stars, Cayman's top cricketers, youngsters and masters. Once again the crowds turned out to watch, but unfortunately and despite the gigantic efforts of the association the match was unable to start. Amazingly, the crowds stayed on until late hoping to get a glimpse of the stars at work.

There was the traditional "first ball" bowled by Curtney Ambrose. This year, the leader of Government Business, the Hon. Kurt Tibbetts together with Senator Desmond Haynes took the first over which was shared by Curtley and Courtney. Because he was batting so well bringing back memories of years gone by, the over extended to 4 overs allowing Desmond to get a close look in as Mr. Tibbetts displayed fine all round play much to the delight of the spectators. The high five after the delicate leg glance

Despite the disappointment of the rains stopping play, the weekend was a huge success and left sponsors, participants and spectators happy for the opportunity. Thanks again to C&W for making this weekend the best in sports for Cayman.

© ICC