ICC European Development Program announces regional award winners for 2005 ICC Development Awards

Photo of the Year © ECC

The European Cricket Council today announced the regional winners of the 2005 ICC Development Program Annual Awards, with Cricket Scotland leading the way with two awards.

The winners were selected by ICC European Development Program personnel from the many entries received and will now be nominated for the global award in their relevant category. The list of esteemed global judges consists of Ehsan Mani (ICC President), Malcolm Gray (former ICC President), Dr Ali Bacher (former South African captain and Tournament Director of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2003) and Roger Knight (Secretary & Chief Executive of the Marylebone Cricket Club and member of the ICC Development Committee). The global awards will be announced on 30 March 2006.

The ICC European Development Manager, Richard Holdsworth, congratulated all of the award winners on their achievements.

"I commend all of the award winners for their contribution and enthusiasm to the game and I hope that these awards will inspire others to follow their example"

"There are many thousands of volunteers working in cricket in Europe's 27 member countries and although these awards only recognize some of those people, cricket is indebted to all of them for the passion and commitment they give to the sport"

The ICC Development Program Annual Awards promote excellence in cricket development and recognise exceptional performance and service to the game in the ICC's Associate and Affiliate Member countries. Nominees have come from a range of levels, which highlights the positive impact cricket is making throughout the European region.

"The success of the Development Program Awards over the last three years has attracted interest from partners keen to support the development of the sport in emerging countries. This year, cricket equipment manufacturer Kookaburra will join established awards partner Flicx International in rewarding the global winners," said Matthew Kennedy, ICC Global Development Manager.

The Regional Award Winners below will each receive an ICC trophy and a certificate of recognition from ICC Chief Executive, Malcolm Speed and will be put forward for the Global Awards.

Best Overall Cricket Development Program
Cricket Scotland

Best Cricket Promotional Program
Cricket Scotland / Lloyds TSB Scotland

Best Women's Cricket Initiative
German Cricket Association

Best Junior Cricket Initiative
Finnish Cricket Association

Photo of the Year
Matthew Allen (Switzerland)

Best Spirit of Cricket Initiative
Isle of Man Coaches Association

Volunteer of the Year
Patrick Henderson (Switzerland)

Lifetime Service Award
Ted Vorzanger (Belgium)