DIGICEL CRICKET EXPERIENCE MAKING AN IMPACT

The Digicel Cricket Experience (DCE) delighted scores of people who converged on the Brian Lara Promenade last week before the start of the 5^th Digicel Test.

The highlight of the event was the participation of Cricket Legend Lance Gibbs together with Ramnaresh Sarwan, Lendl Simmons, Denesh Ramdin, Devon Smith and Ryan Hinds as they thrilled the crowd by joining in the fun. The participants got the opportunity to match their skills with the players as they demonstrated the techniques needed for bowling, batting and catching.

This was the first of three sessions scheduled to take place across Trinidad and Tobago while Port of Spain plays host to Digicel Series 2009 and is a fundamental part of Digicel’s commitment to bring the game directly to its fans.

Digicel Cricket Experience is a regional effort and takes place throughout the Caribbean in conjunction with the Digicel 2009 Series.

Digicel Group Sponsorship Executive, Nicola Sutherland-Hawkes explains the importance of the DCE: “As the principal sponsor of West Indies cricket, Digicel believes it has a responsibility to make the sport and its heroes accessible to the public and the Digicel Cricket Experience in addition to the match experience at the Digicel Series 2009 games has followed through on this promise.

"We have had fantastic turnouts and reactions in all the islands so far (Jamaica, Antigua, Barbados and Trinidad). The fans love the experience and so do the players.”

Ramnaresh Sarwan, who was a favourite with the crowd in Trinidad, had high praise for Digicel’s efforts: "DCE is great as it is important that we as players give back to the fans. Digicel’s efforts to form a connection between the players and the fans is a fantastic idea.”

One Trinidadian cricket fan, Paula, expressed her excitement after meeting her favourite cricketers: “It was really fantastic to be able to meet Sarwan, especially with all he has been doing this series. I am so proud of our boys and so it is just really cool to be able to meet them in the flesh and watch them play these games and see them interact with their fans. Thanks Digicel.”

Digicel brings the Digicel Cricket Experience (DCE) to the six host countries of the Digicel Series 2009 – West Indies vs. England: Jamaica, Antigua, Barbados, Trinidad, Guyana and St. Lucia. The DCE takes place in town centres a few days before each Digicel Test, Digicel Twenty/20 and Digicel ODI.

The DCE also makes an appearance at the stadiums during matches providing patrons with fun activities during breaks.