Guyana Blind Cricket Association gets ‘timely’ equipment boost from NSC

The National Blind Cricket Association has warmly welcomed the National Sports Commission’s (NSC) provision of much-needed cricket gear, describing the move as a timely and significant step in advancing inclusive sports development in Guyana.

The presentation follows discussions held during last week’s meeting between the NSC and several national sporting bodies, where representatives of the Blind Cricket Association outlined some of the key challenges affecting their programme.

Chief among them was the limited access to appropriate equipment required for athletes to train and compete effectively at both the local and regional levels.

Director of Sport, Steve Ninvalle, responded to the concerns by assuring the Association of the Commission’s support and committing to assist in addressing the issue.

That commitment was fulfilled recently when Ninvalle met with officials of the National Blind Cricket Association, Ganesh Singh and Leroy Phillips, and handed over a quantity of cricket gear to support the organisation’s ongoing programmes and competitive activities.

Singh described the presentation as “timely,” noting that the equipment will be shared among the Association’s satellite groups and play a critical role in ensuring the continuity and development of blind cricket across the country.

He acknowledged that the Association has long struggled with access to proper equipment, explaining that the engagement with Ninvalle and the NSC placed that challenge firmly at the centre of discussions.

“The issue of equipment has always been a major hurdle for us, so to have it addressed so quickly is very encouraging. This support will go a long way in helping us maintain our programmes and continue developing blind cricket in Guyana,” Singh said.

Singh, who is also a Guyana and West Indies Blind Cricket player, expressed satisfaction with the swift response from the NSC and indicated that the Association looks forward to working closely with the Commission and the Government of Guyana moving forward.

Meanwhile, Ninvalle reiterated that the NSC’s ongoing meetings with sports associations are designed not only to strengthen relationships, but also to gain a clearer understanding of the shortcomings faced by each body and to identify practical ways the Commission can help bridge those gaps.

“The basis of our engagement with associations is to listen, understand their challenges, and find ways in which the NSC can and will help to fill those gaps. Once commitments are made, it is important that we follow through,” Ninvalle stated.

Ninvalle pointed out, that the NSC has consistently maintained that inclusion remains a cornerstone of its national sports development agenda, with blind cricket standing as a powerful example of how sport can unite, uplift and inspire, regardless of physical limitations.