Young Barbadians turned out in large numbers at Kensington Oval on Wednesday, paying their respects to National Hero The Right Excellent Sir Garfield Sobers, with many saying they wanted to honour a man whose memory will continue to inspire people for years to come.
Students from Springer Memorial Secondary School joined hundreds of mourners at the historic venue to offer their condolences to Sir Garfield’s family and celebrate his life.
Miracle Little said representing her school at the state funeral was about paying tribute to a man who meant much more than a cricket legend.
Miracle Little. (Photo Credit: Lauryn Escamilla)
“I think it was important to come here today… to represent the school as well as to express condolences for the family of Sir Garry,” she said.
Fellow Springer student Latara Bovell said she wanted to show support for the cricket legend.
Latara Bovell. (Photo Credit: Lauryn Escamilla)
“He was our national hero,” she said. “If it wasn’t for him, I don’t think nobody would really be playing cricket or would even know Barbados as a place that plays cricket.”
The students, accompanied by their teacher and parents, later made their way into the Oval, where thousands gathered for the national farewell.
Inside the storied cricket stadium, the stands were filled with many supporters, among the youngest of whom was Nathaniel Nicholls from Bay Primary School, on whose playing field Sir Garry played as a boy.
Nathaniel Nicholls. (Photo Credit: Lauryn Escamilla)
Nicholls said that he felt “happy and special” after being a part of the Bay Primary students to be involved in the ceremony.
He said that he walked around Kensington Oval, met the now only living National Hero Rihanna, and the Prime Minister Mia Mottley. He also glimpsed President Jeffrey Bostic, he said.
Bay Primary School had a special role to play in the ceremony as Sir Garfield Sobers had started his childhood education at its precursor, Bay Street Boys’.
Upon learning this, Nicholls said plainly: “It makes me feel like I’m a cricketer.”
The state funeral at Kensington Oval brought together government officials, dignitaries, family members, former cricketers and members of the public to celebrate the life of a man whose influence on cricket and Barbados earned him international acclaim.
(LE)
