Hello everyone: 

I'd like to start this season off by first thanking everyone for their support over the last season.  I would also like to congratulate and welcome the other members of the Executive Committee this year: Rohit Gupta - Vice-President, Irfan Hanafi - Secretary, and Muneer Husain - Treasurer.  I look forward to working with you in fulfilling my duties as the President for the 2004 season.

I'd like to thank everyone for the opportunity to serve as President again this year.  I know it will require a lot of time and hard work.  I'm counting on the support of my fellow committee members and each and every one of you so that I can successfully fulfill my duties.

In my welcome letter last year, I mentioned that I'd like to see our club transformed into a social club.  I also mentioned that I'd like to have all the members' families become more involved in the club.  In essence, my vision for the club was to have members' families, children, loved ones, etc. become an integral part of the club.  My stated goal as President last year was to provide a healthy and fun environment for our families and children.  One in which the children can be introduced to the game and be aware that cricket is not simply some "funny type of baseball".  Also, by forging a closer alliance between the families and the club, it is no longer a choice of leaving the family alone for eight to ten hours a day on a weekend or staying home with them.  If we can get the families more interested and involved, then it becomes that much easier to be "allowed" to play the game that we all love!  Those goals last year remain the same this year.  We were mildly successful in integrating family with the club.  I would like to see that continue on a larger scale this year.  My vision for the club also includes continuing what I'd like to term the MHCC Rule of Respect.  One of the reasons I have enjoyed being part of this club over the years is because of the mutual respect we all have for each other, both on and off the field.  I think that togetherness is what has brought us so much fun and enjoyment in the countless close encounters where we've come out on top.  It's also the same reason that we're able to stay together as a team when the game isn't quite going our way.

Last year also marked our inaugural Double-Wicket Tournament.  The tournament was a huge success and thoroughly enjoyed by everyone present.  Families and friends were in attendance and food and beverage was provided by the club.  Games were also provided for the children who all seemed to have a great time.  I look forward to continuing that tradition this year with our second tournament.

Another first last year was the presentation of trophies for the first time in the history of our club.  Both members of the winning team of the Double-Wicket tournament received identical trophies, as did the runners-up.  We also presented trophies for Most Runs and Most Wickets.  We will continue to do so this season.  Additionally, we will continually review contributions by members to the club both on and off the field, and will make a determination regarding additional awards in the future.

In closing, I'd like to thank you all again for the opportunity to serve as President this season.  During the next few weeks, determination of the captain and vice-captain, membership dues, and meetings for the season will be announced.  Practice sessions and games will be announced as they are finalized.  I'm eagerly looking forward to another fun-filled season, as I'm sure we all are.

Let's all have another fun-filled season, MHCC! 

Best regards,

Ron Singh.