Honorable Vice Mayor Ms. Carol Vernaci, City Manager Mr. Antonio Acosta Mr. Bruce Stanley and other members of the Parks and Recreation Dept:
It gives me great pleasure, to be in this gorgeous facility. It is almost a
dream come true for us. The entire Northern California Cricket Association,
is overjoyed and touched, by the support of the City of Union City.
On behalf of Valley Cricketers, East Bay Cricket Club and the broader
Northern California Cricket Community, I would like to thank, all your
city staff for supporting the sport and the community.
Cricket, as you may have learnt in the recent days, has been around,
for more than a century, in this part of the country. Northern California
Cricket Association, was founded in the year 1892, and today, we have
grown, to be one of the largest associations in the entire country.
We have now reached a point, where, not only has the community attained
critical mass, but also, our cities have come to recognize, the wonderful uniting
force of this sport. What better way, to build a cohesive community, than
to use a sport, that provides a sense of identification, for people from so
many countries and so many cultures.
From the National perspective, the United States National Team, for the first
time in its history, has a shot at playing in the World Cup. It just needs to
finish among the Top 5 amongst a roster of 12 in the upcoming ICC Tournament
in Ireland, in July this year. Having the infrastructure and support of the local
cities, is key to building the next generation's world class players.
To be candid with you, in the recent years of mild recession, we have
lost, a small portion of our community, but I must tell you, we are seeing
a very encouraging trend lately - the children of our community, are coming
of age, and have shown great interest, in picking up the game. It is interesting...
that many of our children, know all the rules of the game, from watching
so much cricket on TV, before they have even played a single game.
We will look forward to working with you, and offer cricket programs,
through your city guide, so residents of Union City,
can enroll their children, to learn the game. I am sure, this would provide, a lot of value, for the residents of Union City, and together, we can
build an increasing and effective community.
Before I close, let me assure you, that you have entrusted, the use of
this facility, in good hands, that of Sriram Ramamurthy and
Sarabhjit. They are amongst the most influential in the cricket community, and run the
most supportive and disciplined clubs of the Association.
Thank you again, to each and every one of you, for your support.
I would like to take this opportunity, to also pledge volunteer support,
for many of your city's programs. Please feel free to get in touch with us,
at any time. We will be ready to support and assist you.
Honorable Vice Mayor Ms. Carol Vernaci, City Manager Mr. Antonio Acosta Mr. Bruce Stanley and other members of the Parks and Recreation Dept:
Cricket, as you may have learnt in the recent days, has been around,
for more than a century, in this part of the country. Northern California
Cricket Association, was founded in the year 1892, and today, we have
grown, to be one of the largest associations in the entire country.
We have now reached a point, where, not only has the community attained
critical mass, but also, our cities have come to recognize, the wonderful uniting
force of this sport. What better way, to build a cohesive community, than
to use a sport, that provides a sense of identification, for people from so
many countries and so many cultures.
We will look forward to working with you, and offer cricket programs,
through your city guide, so residents of Union City,
can enroll their children, to learn the game. I am sure, this would provide, a lot of value, for the residents of Union City, and together, we can
build an increasing and effective community. 