ADDRESS BY THE CHAIRMAN, LAGOS STATE CRICKET ASSOCIATION

Distinguished Guests,

Welcome to the closing ceremony of the 7th edition of the EDL Knockout Cricket Tournament.
The collaboration in developing cricket between the Lagos State Cricket Association and the sole sponsor of the tournament, Express Discount Limited (EDL) has indeed continued to grow as the EDL Knockout Tourney has become a major one that cricket enthusiasts look forward to every season. For this, we say thank you to Express Discount Limited for their sustained financial support.

Two years ago, the Ibeju Lekki Local Government Council allocated a parcel of land to the LSCA for the development of a cricket oval. Few weeks ago, I held a meeting with the Honourable Commissioner for Sports & Social Development, Lagos State, Prince Ademola Adeniji –Adele and the Chairman , Ibeju Lekki Local Government Council, Prince Bayo Balogun, to discuss the modalities of developing the proposed Ibeju Lekki oval. I am happy to announce that the Ministry of Sports has requested that we come up with a suitable design of the oval, and on their part will partner with corporate institutions to raise the funds. We have since contacted a United Kingdom based architect who is prepared to do the drawings for us, gratis.
I wish to thank the Honourable Commissioner, the Chairman Ibeju Lekki Local Government and our Architect friend (who wants to remain anonymous), for their support.
I am pleased to note that most of the cricketers that represented Nigeria at the recently held 2NWACC Tournament were selected based on their performances in the Iris Smart League, EDL Tournament and the GTA 20/20 Tournament.

Cricket at the grassroot has continued to grow and I wish to thank the Howzat Foundation for Cricket, Sterling Bank, Stanbic Bank and other sponsors for doing a good work at that level.
Lastly, I thank all the participants for playing in the true spirit of the game. I congratulate our 2008 Merit Award Recipients as your names have been written in Gold. To the NCF, University of Lagos, BIS, the Media and all who participated in making the tourney a resounding success, I say a big thank you for your support.
Journey mercies and God Bless you all.

GEORGE WILTSHIRE
CHAIRMAN, LAGOS STATE CRICKET ASSOCIATION