Mini Cricket fun for Lowveld primary schools
864 children from 78 schools enjoyed a of spending time outdoors, developing an interest in sport and healthy living.
Looking to develop sport and a love for cricket in particular, the Mpumalanga leg of the biggest national grassroots sports development programme, the KFC Mini-cricket Provincial Festival, took place at Rob Ferreira High School last Friday.
For 864 children from 78 schools, the day was filled with fun and laughter. Winning and competition was not the aim of the day, but rather spending time outdoors developing an interest in sport and healthy living.
According to provincial spokesman for Cricket South Africa Gerald Ngwenyama, the event was driven by mass participation.
The aim was to have kids from all the schools playing cricket, for them to make friends and express themselves through the game.
He emphasised the importance of the event laying a foundation for youngsters through providing equal opportunity to all.
“Events like this one are important in order to grow a passion for cricket so that one day they can aspire to represent the province and our country,” said Ngwenyama.
Zoda Motha, a teacher from Funindlela Primary School in Matsulu and volunteer coach said, “This initiative was truly wonderful, the kids were given the space and resources to concentrate on developing their sporting skills, and more importantly they were exposed to different activities from what we offer at school”.
Commenting on the larger impact of the event Ngwenyama said, “Sport really does unite us as a nation and that’s the idea we’re spreading. Apart from the obvious benefits of being physically fit, sports can teach you a lot about social values. It keeps the children away from unused time which could result in them being victims of crime or succumbing to bad habits.”
The event relied on the support of 166 coaches and teachers who helped to turn the day into the success it was.
“As Cricket South Africa and Mpumalanga Cricket we would like to thank KFC for making our dream a reality. KFC mini-cricket is reaching all the boundaries of the country,” said Ngwenyama.
