Guernsey Cricket is delighted to announce that Mike Kinder has been recognised by the International Cricket Council with an ICC Long Service Award, celebrating his outstanding contribution to cricket over many decades.
The award recognises individuals who have given 20 years or more of voluntary service to the game. Each ICC Member country was invited to nominate one person whose commitment and contribution merited international recognition.
Guernsey Cricket had no hesitation in nominating Mike in recognition of a lifetime devoted to cricket as a coach, administrator, mentor and passionate supporter of the game.
Since becoming involved with cricket locally, Mike has made an enormous contribution across numerous areas of the sport, giving countless hours of his time and sharing his knowledge and enthusiasm with generations of players.
While the ICC award recognises the length of Mike’s service, his contribution is measured by far more than years alone. His commitment to developing young cricketers, supporting players and coaches, and helping the game flourish has made a lasting impact on cricket in the island.
Guernsey Cricket Board Member and ICC Liaison Lead Dave Piesing said:
“We are absolutely delighted that Mike’s extraordinary contribution to cricket has been recognised by the ICC. When we were invited to nominate one individual from Guernsey who had given more than 20 years of voluntary service to the game, Mike was an outstanding candidate. His contribution extends far beyond Guernsey. Cricket has been a major part of Mike’s life for many decades, from his earlier involvement in Sheffield and with Yorkshire Schools through to coaching at Lord’s and everything he has subsequently contributed to the game in our island.
What makes Mike particularly special is not simply the amount of time he has given to cricket, but the knowledge, enthusiasm and encouragement he has shared with so many people along the way. Generations of cricketers have benefited from Mike’s experience and his willingness to give his time to help others enjoy and improve at the game. This is thoroughly deserved recognition and, on behalf of everyone involved with Guernsey Cricket, I would like to congratulate Mike and thank him for everything he has done, and continues to do, for cricket.”
Mike said:
“I am extremely honoured to receive this award from the ICC. Cricket has given me a tremendous amount throughout my life and I have been very fortunate to have had the opportunity to be involved with the game in different capacities and in different places over many years. The greatest reward has always been seeing people develop their skills, enjoy their cricket and, particularly in the case of young players, develop a lifelong love of the game. I am very grateful to Guernsey Cricket for nominating me and to the ICC for this recognition.”
The award forms part of an ICC initiative recognising people across its Member countries whose longstanding voluntary commitment provides the foundation on which the game is built.
For Guernsey Cricket, Mike’s recognition is also an opportunity to celebrate the vital contribution made by volunteers throughout the island – from coaches and officials to scorers, administrators, ground teams and the many others who give their time to support the game.
Everyone at Guernsey Cricket congratulates Mike on an outstanding and richly deserved achievement.
