Antigua and Barbuda goes to Cricket

(July 03rd 2009 ) - : – The Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority’s- UK Office engaged and informed attendees at the Caribbean International Cricket Fun Day about Antigua and Barbuda, when the office participated in the fundraising event held at the Thames Ditton Cricket Club in Giggs Hill on Sunday (June 28).

Marketing Manager, Cherrie Osborne said: "The event attracted the affluent middle-class in Surrey, England and our presence there afforded us the opportunity to target this specific community that makes up a sizable percentage of our market."

Internationally known Antiguan cricketers, Richie Richardson, who is affiliated with the Thames Ditton Cricket Club, and Curtly Ambrose made guest appearances at the event and featured in a 20/20 cricket match.**

The over 2000 attendees at the match between the Richie Richardson International XI and Lashings World XI, were also able to bid for an Antigua and Barbuda package holiday to St. James's Club for 7 nights, courtesy of Elite Island Resorts.

"The chance to win a holiday with flights to Antigua created a huge buzz in the ground, and raised over £1,500 for good causes", said Angela Slater, event coordinator.

Tony Pitchford, the proud winner of this holiday auction was excited about his spontaneously planned trip and was exploring the possibility of extending his stay in Antigua by an additional 7 nights.

The Antigua and Barbuda Tourist Office also supplied the Man of the Match with a gift basket containing a bottle of 5year old English Harbour Rum and two Gilly Gobinet books - Top 20 places in Antigua and Barbuda and Cocktail recipes. 50 miniature cricket bats branded with the Antigua and Barbuda logo were also distributed to the crowd for autograph signings.

The Caribbean International Cricket Fun Day hosted by Thames Ditton Cricket Club raised money for the Shooting Star Hospice, Thames Ditton Cricket Club and the Richie Richardson Scholarship Foundation.

H.E. Dr. Carl Roberts, High Commissioner of Antigua and Barbuda for the UK and his wife were guests of honour at the event.