Six of Bermuda’s cricket legends were acknowledged for their valuable contributions to the sport at the Cabinet Building yesterday.

In addition, past Bermuda and Cup Match stars Cal (Bummy) Symonds, Dennis Wainwright, Colin Blades, Albert Steede and brothers Sheridan and Lee Raynor each received travel vouchers from Sports Minister and former Somerset Cup Match skipper Randy Horton to attend this month’s cricket spectacle in the West Indies.

The small band of pioneering cricketers will accompany Horton to Trinidad next Tuesday, the venue for Bermuda’s World Cup matches against Sri Lanka, India and Bangladesh and home of national cricket coach Gus Logie.

“These are all men who helped pave the way for the success of cricket in Bermuda. Combined they have dedicated many years to our national sport and I believe this is a phenomenal way of saying ‘Thank You’ for your superb efforts in developing the game of cricket in Bermuda,” Horton told reporters during yesterday’s press conference.

“I look forward to watching the games with these outstanding stalwarts and providing the support our national team rightfully deserves.”

Horton also urged the rest of the Island to support the efforts of the national cricket team.

“As our national team prepares to perform on the world stage it is vital that as many Bermudians as possible continue to give their support to our players, both here and in Trinidad,” he added.

“You are all very aware now of the impact even a small country like Bermuda can have on the sport as several international newspapers have splashed the likes of Dwayne (Sluggo) Leverock in their headlines.”

Horton said such international exposure in the wake of last Monday’s historic mis-match with England goes to show that playing in the World Cup is about more than just cricket.

“They are ambassadors of our country and now even more of the world knows about Bermuda as a result,” he added.

Barbados-born Blades, who captained Bermuda’s 1982 ICC Trophy team that finished runners-up to Zimbabwe, took the opportunity yesterday to pay tribute to Bermuda Cricket Board of Control and ICC Trophy founding member Alma (Champ) Hunt.

Blades said: “It’s only because of people like Champ Hunt that Bermuda cricket is where it is today. And it’s important that we never forget the contributions and sacrifices people such as Champ Hunt made to the sport.”

Horton echoed the former top batsman’s sentiments.

“Alma Champ Hunt played a significant role in getting not only the Bermuda team, but also ICC (International Cricket Council) Associate members to compete in the ICC Trophy,” he said.

“It was Champ Hunt who drove the idea home at the MCC (Marylebone Cricket Club) to have smaller countries such as Bermuda compete against each other for the right to qualify for the World Cup.”

Sheridan Raynor, the first Bermudian batsman to score a century on the international stage, graciously accepted the privilege to witness cricket’s premier showpiece in the Caribbean.

“This is like a dream come true. I have always hoped that somehow, somewhere Bermuda can get into a big competition so it can showcase its talent,” said Raynor, who shared in an unbroken, record 250-run opening stand with Wainwright against a English County XI in the UK in 1961.

“I haven’t been to the Caribbean since 1978. So I’m looking forward to returning there to support Bermuda and hopefully see some old friends.”

Symonds, one of the most successful skippers in Cup Match history, threw his full weight behind the Island’s World Cup cricket team.

“I’m proud that our small country has qualified for the World Cup,” he said.

“This means so much to Bermuda cricket and also to me. And I want to thank the Government and people of Bermuda for giving me this wonderful opportunity.”