Anton McCloy
One has only to note how many people tune into the Olympics, Super Bowl, or get excited by getting the chance to meet cricket greats Dennis Lillee and Rod Marsh at the 2008 Tyler Foundation event to know that sports is a tie that binds us together. As it is for cricket enthusiast and Stellar Volunteer Anton McCloy who has played the game since he was young . “Where I'm from there was no choice - cricket in the summer and rugby in the winter. ” That great unifier, cricket, gave rise to a long friendship with Mark and Kim Ferris. Anton met them “…many moons ago…. I did a bit of umpiring when I had time and Mark stood out for his lack of understanding of the LBW law (when bowling or batting). [LBW stands for Leg Before Wicket - it is the most subjective form of dismissing a batsman in cricket - often strongly "debated/discussed" after, and sometimes during, the game.] And Kim stood out because, despite having no cricket background, she could score a cricket game which is no easy task.”
Anton encourages others to “Just do it.” He describes volunteering for the Tyler Foundation as “…a rush to see your time and energy help make something very good happen.” Anton has done just that right from the start through his involvement in the original Charity Cricket match, the finale of the Sports Extravaganza in 2006. Organizing the match from his home in Fuji City, this New Zealand native noted, “…our group of cricketers and volunteers were all fantastic on what was a tough day to play cricket on!” Anton was there at the genesis of putting together a benefit “…to honor Tyler and maybe raise some cash to give to Tyler's hospital or donate somewhere appropriate to say thank you for the great care Tyler received. I for one, never imagined we would be where we are at in such a short space of time with such great programs up and running and major plans in the pipeline.”
Since the 2006 event, Anton has continued to work with the Tyler Foundation. He has helped with all the major fundraising events and runs the annual Grand Raffle. As with many experiences volunteering it’s not surprising that Anton says “…the Tyler Foundation has given me more than I could ever give it. I'm learning a lot about myself - things I can and many things I can't do well for example! I'm also learning how to deal with different kinds of people in situations far removed from my daily life. The most enjoyable part is the new people and friends both within the core team and among our many supporters - so many good people out there.”
Anton owns and runs a small English school with his wife Tomoko. They have a nearly 3-year old daughter Jessica and another child due in March. Having come to Japan in 1996 for a year to save some money for Ireland, he never made it! While not being a “…city kind of guy” Anton, very much enjoys the time he spends in Tokyo on behalf of the Tyler Foundation meeting new friends and connecting with old. “ And so, I hope to continue doing what I can when I can to help Mark and Kim and the Tyler team build on the success they have had so far. It is great now and it's going to be even better!”
We hope you continue what you are doing too, Anton. Thanks for being a Stellar Volunteer! Shine On!