GARDEN ROUTE NEWS - The cricket fraternity of the Garden Route Badgers bid farewell to its long-serving president, Rudy Claassen, at its annual awards ceremony held at De Opstal Country Lodge in Oudtshoorn on Saturday evening, 10 June.

Company CEO Albertus Kennedy said Claassen served the organisation with distinction. He will vacate the chairman's seat at the annual general meeting (AGM) on 29 July.

Claassen joined as president of the SWD Cricket Board in the 2004/05 season after associated status was awarded to five new provinces (including South Western Districts) as part of the restructuring process of South African cricket.

"During the initial years of his term, the growth of SWD in its infancy as a rural Sub-Union of Boland in 2001 to its position of an exemplary associate member, embodies the energy as well as the vision of the young, but involved collective leadership that permeates throughout the cricket community and the business community at large," said Kennedy.

In February 2013 at the AGM of Cricket SA (CSA), the board of directors approved SWD’s application as the 12th full affiliate member of CSA.

Player development was a vital focus area and in 2010 SWD Cricket presented the first academy intake in the history of the province. The aim of this academy is to focus on the improvement of life and cricket skills of elite cricket players in the province.

Another milestone was in 2011 when the sod-turning ceremony for the construction of a new office complex was held at the recreation ground in Oudtshoorn.

The introduction of the Black African Cricket development programme in 2008, under Claassen's leadership was another feather in his cap. He was also part of the transition of SWD Cricket from a non-profitable company (NPC).

Women’s Cricket was another area where the Badgers lifted their game during the past few seasons and they were elevated to the Top 6 competition.

Claassen was also part of the process to include SWD in Western Cape Cricket and delink it from Eastern Cape Cricket.

SWD is now hoping to be ready to host warm-up matches in George during the 2027 ICC Cricket World Cup.

In his presidential address Claassen thanked all roleplayers for their undevoted support during his term in office. “It was really an honour and privilege to be of service to cricket in the province. The contributions of all involved were vital in our achievements. My appointment as president of such an ambitious organisation is one that I treasure. I will always be the biggest supporter of the Garden Route Badgers and will always follow your progress going forward."

Kennedy described Claassen as a leader "who was never bigger than the organisation". 

“Whatever he did and whenever he had to represent SWD Cricket, the interest of the organisation was always his number one priority. He was a true leader and he served this position with pride."

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