Leonorians grateful for President Ali’s initiative

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Leonorians grateful for President Ali’s initiative

SPORTS REPORT BY : Jai LAll October 2026

Cricket Returns to Leonora After More Than 35 Years. Pres. Ali, delivers on promise to his fellow Leonorians .President Irfaan Ali delivers on commitment as new floodlit facility brings renewed hope for West Demerara cricket.

After more than 35 years, live cricket has returned to Leonora—bringing joy, pride and renewed optimism to a community once regarded as a cricketing powerhouse on the West Side of Demerara.

The new Leonora Sports Ground, located behind the Leonora Police Station, came alive under lights on Friday, October 2, when President Dr Irfaan Ali led a President’s XI in a friendly 20-over tape-ball match against a Leonora XI, captained by Jeetendra Kishore, popularly known as “Jit.”

The President’s XI made 225 runs for the loss of five wickets before bowling out the Leonora team for 178 runs. President Ali also made his mark with the ball, claiming three wickets in an entertaining contest that drew cricket lovers, former players, youths and residents from across the community.

For Leonorians, the occasion represented far more than a friendly game. It marked the return of organised cricket to a village with a proud sporting history—one that produced strong teams and players and was once among Region Three’s cricketing behemoths.

The ground was unofficially opened on September 27, 2026, with a 50-ball softball cricket competition involving Leonora Pasture “Legends,” the Leonora Police Station, the Leonora Muslim Youth Organization, and Leonora A and B Cricket Club.

Leonora Pasture “Legends” won the tournament, followed by the Leonora Police Station, the Leonora Muslim Youth Organisation, and Leonora A and B Cricket Club.

The prizes reflected the strong community support behind the venture:

♦ First prize: $100,000 and a trophy, donated by Imran “Wolf” Roti & Furniture Store

♦ Second prize: $75,000

♦ Third prize: $50,000 , donated by Nadesh’s N&R Welding Co. and Reuben’s RH Int.

♦ Fourth prize: $25,000 , donated by Bacchus Ent. Construction

♦ Additional trophies were donated by Kesho’s Murthy Store

The softball competition was organised through the efforts of members of the Softball Cricket League Region Three and the Leonora Police Station Management Committee.

The restoration of a proper home ground for Leonora is the result of sustained community advocacy and collaboration. Credit has been extended to President Ali, Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport Charles Ramson, Minister Steven Jacobs, Local Government Minister Priya Manickchand, the Regional Democratic Council of Region Three, the Stewartville-Cornelia Ida Neighbourhood Democratic Council, Mr Lionel Rasul, persistent petitioners and other community-minded citizens.

For years, Leonora’s cricketers and sports lovers waited for a safe, accessible space where young people could train, compete and develop their talent. That wait has now ended.

The new facility gives youths an avenue to practise cricket, exercise and participate in constructive recreational activity. It also provides a positive environment that can help steer young people away from drugs, alcohol misuse and other harmful influences.

The location—near the Atlantic seawall, Leonora Police Station and Leonora Cottage Hospital—offers a healthy and secure setting for sporting development. There are also plans to further improve the facility’s standards and ambience, in keeping with President Ali’s call for citizens to “Get Up, Get Out and Get Active.”

For Leonora, this is not simply the opening of a sports ground. It is the revival of a community tradition, the restoration of sporting pride and an opportunity for the village to once again pursue its place among the champions of the West Side.

Leonora has waited a long time. Now, with a ground of its own and renewed community support, the village can begin its journey back to its glorious cricketing days.

Special thanks are extended to President Dr Irfaan Ali; Mr Jai Lall, President of the Leonora Cricket Club; the club’s executive and general membership; and all supporters whose unwavering commitment helped bring this long-awaited project to fruition.