Cricket legend Graham Gooch coming to Cayman
Graham Gooch
(CNS Local Life): Following a successful T20 World Cup Qualifying tour in Argentina, Cayman Cricket is gearing up for a weekend of fundraising events guest-starring former England cricket captain, Graham Gooch. The legendary English batsman will be visiting the Cayman Islands from 16-20 May to take part in a series of events to raise funds in support of cricket’s development in the Cayman Islands.
Gooch will be helping Cayman Cricket promote its “All-Out” fundraising weekend. Plans consist of “All-Out @ North Sound Golf Club”, a golf tournament on Friday, 18 May, and “All-Out @ Morgan’s Pavilion”, an all-inclusive summer party at Morgan’s Restaurant the following day.
He will also make an appearance at the youth cricket coaching clinics at Smith Road Oval that Saturday morning.
Cayman Cricket vice president, Hector Robinson, said in a press release, “We are so excited to have Graham Gooch and his wife visiting Cayman this year – he is certainly one of the most distinguished international cricketers of his generation, and a genuine all-time great.
“We are hopeful that Mr Gooch’s presence as a player in our golf tournament, and as guest of honour at the party, will encourage the community to come out and enter a golf team or purchase tickets for the party.
“These events will contribute towards our aim of raising $50,000 to help us to further develop our youth programmes and coaching resources. It is only by investing in a long-term youth development strategy that we can build on recent success – and ensure our players are equipped to compete on a world stage.”
Gooch was one of the most successful international batsmen of his generation, and through a career that spanned from 1973 to 2000, he became the most prolific run-scorer of all time with 67,057 runs across first-class and limited overs games. He is one of only 25 players in history to have scored 100 first class centuries.
After 118 Tests Gooch retired to coaching and became a team selector and commentator. He was an England batting coach from 2012 to 2014 and in 2009 he was inducted in the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame.
Gooch’s visit comes on the back of legendary West Indian batting pair, Gordon Greenidge and Desmond Haynes, visiting last year for Cayman Cricket’s “Legends Reunited” fundraiser. Cayman Cricket hopes to bring more international cricket stars to Cayman in the future to encourage interest and support for the sport.
For more information and sponsorship opportunities for the golf tournament email events@sidekick.ky. For tickets to the party visit any Jacques Scott outlet or purchase online here
Wow, not Graham Gooch!