Sir Vivian Richards, Honourable Daryll Matthew, and High Commissioner Karen-Mae Hill visit Bede’s School in the UK to strengthen sports and educational collaboration.
On Thursday 7th November 2024, Cricket Legend and National Hero, Sir Vivian Richards, Minister for Education, Sports and the Creative Industries, the Honourable Daryll Matthew, and High Commissioner Karen-Mae Hill, visited Bede’s School in the United Kingdom to advance scholarship opportunities for Antiguan and Barbudan sports persons and to discuss the upcoming Bedes’ male and female under-19 cricket tour to Antigua in February 2025.
During the visit, Sir Vivian Richards and Minister Matthew addressed the students and faculty who will be visiting Antigua next year. During their stay, the Bede’s male and female cricket teams will compete in cricket matches against local male and female teams, further enhancing the exchange of skills and fostering lasting relationships. They will also participate in cultural experiences.
Sir Vivian Richards took the time to engage with the young cricketers, answering their questions and offering valuable advice about their game. Sir Viv encouraged the young players to enjoy their upcoming tour to Antigua and Barbuda and to embrace the experience in all its aspects.
The students also had the opportunity to watch a 10-minute video from Sir Viv’s record stand with Michael Holding for a winning 189 not out at Old Trafford in 1984, considered one of the best innings of all times.
Mr. Peter Goodyer, Principal of Bede’s stated, “Last Thursday, Bede’s senior school had the pleasure and honour of welcoming one of the greatest cricketers to have ever played the game.
Sir Vivian Richards spent time taking questions from students of Bede’s who are due to tour Sir Viv’s home island of Antigua and Barbuda in February. The tour, with 15 boys and 11 girls, and Sir Viv’s visit is all part of Bede’s forging closer relations with Antigua.
Sir Viv delighted the young audience with his views on technique, the modern game and why he never wore a helmet whilst facing the most fearsome fast bowlers in the world! He was very happy to have photos with the students and sign many autographs. He promised them that he would come and watch them play when they are in Antigua which just added to the excitement of the afternoon and the anticipation of the tour”
Minister Matthew commented on the significance of this collaboration: “Hosting international players in Antigua and Barbuda provides invaluable exposure for our young cricketers.
It offers them the chance to compete at a high level, sharpen their skills and gain global experience that will undoubtedly aid their development. We are especially proud of the growing recognition of female athletes and we are committed to advancing the women’s cricket league. I also want to extend my deepest gratitude to High Commissioner Hill for her vision in organizing this visit and in securing this tour.”
Minister Matthew also took the opportunity to thank Callaum Jahraldo Martin, a former student at Bede’s School, who played a pivotal role in facilitating communication between High Commissioner Hill, the Minister and Bede’s.
Martin, who captained the Antigua and Barbuda football team and played for Hull City, has been an instrumental figure in developing and strengthening the ties between Antigua and Barbuda and the school. The Minister also noted that Bede’s counts West Indies ODI captain Shai Hope, among its past students.
The visit ended with a meeting with Antiguan student, Dajari Barthley, who is enrolled in a football programme at Bede’s.
The Antiguan and Barbudan delegation expressed gratitude to Principal Goodyer for his commitment to supporting young Antiguan and Barbudan athletes to attend Bede’s. Minister Matthew reiterated the Government’s unwavering support for the development of sports in Antigua Barbuda, highlighting the ongoing efforts to nurture both male and female athletes.
Bede’s is one of the top independent, co-educational schools in the United Kingdom with two sites located in Eastbourne and Sussex.
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