By Bipin Dani
MUMBAI
(TheSportsNext) August 7, 2012: Percy Abeysekera claims to be the world's
first and oldest cheerleader on a cricket ground. The 76-year Sri Lankan
Abeysekera, in his own ways, has carved a niche for himself as the most
precious and historic element in the art of cheerleading in the entire cricket
world.
During India's current tour of Sri Lanka, he has been gifted
a cap by Team India captain, Mahendra Singh Dhoni. "I wore it during one
of the recent One-dayers and felt proud about it", he said over telephone
from Colombo.
Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has banned the Portable Horns and
Hooters to be brought in by spectators at the ground. This is to safeguard the
spectator comfort inside spectator areas of the stadium.
The Sri Lankan cheerleader has welcomed the decision.
"It does not matter. Cheering is not horning", he said.
"I have earned respect from all parts of the world. I
have written messages from several leading cricketers", he says, and
narrates one after the other.
* To Percy; Look after your voice – Sri Lanka needs it! Best
wishes! – David Gower
* It is not whether you won or lost. But how much noise you
made – Ian Smith, 1984
* To Percy; Many thanks for your support, friendship and
fairness – (Sir) Richard Hadlee, 1984
* A great character and talker. Should stand for
parliamentary elections. All the best! – Rameez Raja
* To Percy; the voice of Sri Lanka. May you continue to
‘boom’ and ‘bloom’ with Sri Lanka cricket – Sunil Gavaskar.
* Dear Percy; Drink arrack. Look after the tone in your
voice. Your country needs it better than you do. Regards! – Ravi Shastri.
Fans celebrated his 76th birthday last week in the Stadium.
No comments:
Post a Comment