ICC East Asia-Pacific Region stalwarts honoured

The ICC recently announced the global winners of the ICC Development Program Awards for 2004 with two long serving ICC East Asia-Pacific Region volunteers honoured.

Vanuatu Cricket Association President Mark Stafford took out the Lifetime Service Award, while Indonesian Cricket Foundation Chairman MK Suresh was awarded Volunteer of the Year.

Mark has been the cornerstone of Vanuatu cricket administration for many years. He was commended by the judges for his vision in pioneering the progress of cricket in the country from a social activity to a popular competitive sport with grassroots and junior development programs. The Lifetime Service award recognises individuals who have provided a minimum of 10 years service to cricket development.

Suresh has been one of the driving forces behind the rapid growth and success of cricket in Indonesia over the past five years, particularly at grassroots level where junior involvement numbers have increased from only 30 in the year 2000 to over 10,000 in 2004. His passion and dedication for cricket is unsurpassed in Indonesia, culminating in his appointment of ICF Chairman in 2004. Suresh is also the current Indonesian National Coach.

ICC EAP Regional Development Manager Tim Anderson congratulated both Mark and Suresh, commenting that the ICC East Asia-Pacific regional office was delighted both men were honoured for their years of dedication and hard work.

"On behalf of the ICC EAP Region I would like to congratulate both Mark and Suresh on this tremendous honour. Both men have played pivotal roles in the development of cricket in their respective countries," said Mr Anderson.

The global award winners were selected by an esteemed judging panel comprising Ehsan Mani (ICC President), Malcolm Gray (former ICC President) and Roger Knight (MCC Chief Executive and Secretary).

In addition to the Lifetime Service Award and Volunteer of the Year, Global winners in seven other categories were also announced. The full list of the Global winners is available online at www.icc-developmentawards.com.