Ferguson, a sprightly resident of Gouyave, in Grenada, could well be the oldest person to attend a World Cup match.
KINGSTON: Lionel Ferguson can make it to the record books when he celebrates his 101st birthday by enjoying a Super 8 cricket World Cup match, April 16, at the newly-rebuilt Grenada National Stadium.
Ferguson, a sprightly resident of Gouyave, in Grenada, could well be the oldest person to attend a World Cup match. While a fact check with the Guinness Book of Records is yet to confirm this, he is just pleased to have lived long enough to see cricket's premier tournament come to his homeland and the wider Caribbean.
Ferguson - who will also be feted in the president's suite by the Grenada Local Organising Committee (LOC) and Cricket World Cup West Indies 2007 Inc. - visited the stadium Friday, admiring the work that has been done to completely refurbish the venue that was ravaged by Hurricane Ivan in the summer of 2004.
Appearing very strong and alert, he manoeuvred around the ground on his own, with the help of a walking stick.
LOC communications manager Troy Garvey gave the centenarian a tour of the world-class facility and presented him with various mementos.
"The stadium is even more beautiful in person than what I saw on television," said Ferguson, surveying the surroundings.
"I am looking forward to coming here on my birthday. It will be a special occasion for me to see a World Cup match."
Garvey said that he is pleased to be able to host "such a notable citizen as Ferguson who is well known for his community service" and who has been recognised for his contribution with the award of a British Empire Medal.
"We look forward to toasting his birthday at the Super 8 match April 16. It will be a truly fitting way to mark his 101 not out," said Garvey.
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