A total of 463 people donated blood on the occasion of the 94th Foundation Day at the Eden Gardens here today.
Talking about the day, CAB President Avishek Dalmiya said: “Even 72 hrs back we were not sure whether we would be able organise the 94th Foundation Day. But then our respected Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee opened the gates for sports and we were overjoyed. The office bearers put their heads together and all committee members also joined in. In the next day and half we worked on a war footing to organise the blood donation camp and also organised a small programme for the members. To have almost 500 people coming and donating blood on such a short notice shows their love for CAB and respect for this tradition.”
“For Frank Worrell Day is not just a blood donation camp. It also stands for the spirit of cricket and everything good associated with it. So we are happy that we have been able to keep this tradition on uninterrupted. In fact this time former Bengal legend Dilip Doshi has signed the certificates for the donors,” he said.
“It will not be out of place to mention here that local cricket is resuming next week and so is the first Byju’s Women T20 blast. We have already, with support of the state government, done the first dose vaccination camp for our players between the age group of 15 and 18. We are going to organise the second camp on February 10.
On this day I once again thank to each and everyone associated with CAB for their constant support and especially to the state government for its pro-sports outlook,” he concluded.
Earlier in the day, the office bearers led by CAB President hoisted the Association’s flag and garlanded the statue of Dr B C Roy along with other members. Then CAB President Avishek Dalmiya, Vice-President Naresh Ojha, Secretary Snehasish Ganguly, Jt Secretary Debabrata Das along with various committee chairmen went and met the donors and lauded them for their gift of life. Later, singing sensation Gurujeet Singh entertained the members with his bhakti geeti, patriotic songs and peppy hits.