adminRicky Zililo Senior Sports Reporter
The government has hailed the Heath Streak Multi-Sports Academy’s Corporate Cricket League that was launched on Friday and saw 20 schools getting cricket equipment.Ten primary schools — Robert Tredgold, Carmel, Mgiqika, Lobengula, Zulukandaba, Gampu, Manondwana, Milton, Mawaba and King George VI are being sponsored by Radar Metal Industries, Kershelmar Dairies, Shield Security, NetOne, Choppies, Holiday Inn, Wholesale beef, Bonsa Hillside, Choppies and Rohan Sports.
The high schools which are sponsored by Radar Metal Industries, Dube Holdings, Choppies, Steward Bank, Fawcetts Security, Bathroom Boutique, Megafest Holdings, Tilus and JR Godddard Construction are Founders, Magwegwe, Nkulumane, Ihlathi, Pumula, Sobukhazi, Masotsha, Mzilikazi, Sizane and Hamilton.
Eunice Nomthandazo Moyo, the Bulawayo Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Sport, Arts and Culture Minister Andrew Langa said the academy’s project was in line with the economic blueprint, ZimAsset.
“It gives me pride to know that there’re people with good hearts like Joseph Rego who’ve interest in sport. I must say this programme is in line with the economic blueprint ZimAsset that spells out the people’s needs which include sport.
“Because of this programme, this reminds me that this is empowerment which is in line with eradication of poverty. If the less privileged are afforded a chance to play sport, one day poverty will be eradicated when they turn professionals and earn a living through sport,” said Moyo.
The programme that runs under the theme “My vision, my dream” will see companies adopting schools from the western areas and providing them with cricket equipment as part of the academy’s goal of spreading the sport to previously underprivileged schools.
The equipment which includes bats, gloves, pads and balls was shipped from a leading manufacturer Sareen Sport of India.
Sareen Sport is a famous brand of cricket equipment and manufactures goods used by top-class cricketers all over the world.
The likes of Sachin Tendulkar, Kumar Sangakara and our very own Hamilton Masakadza are brand ambassadors of Sareen Sport.
“I’d like to appreciate the idea of offering kits and sportswear for the underprivileged cricket players that you train. I’m greatly indebted to the corporates for a Corporate Cricket Initiative to develop sport. The young children that you’ve chosen to assist and train are from schools in the Western Suburbs which would otherwise have found it difficult or impossible to play cricket.
“In the western areas soccer is popular than cricket but through this initiative, cricket, formerly an elitist sport will gain popularity,” said Langa.
Through the Corporate Cricket Initiative schools will get an opportunity to train at their facilities as part of the deals that they have made with corporates.
The academy’s coaches who include seamer Christopher Mpofu, Goodwill Mamhiyo, Tasmeen Granger and Gavin Ewing will also go to schools training teachers as well as making follow-ups on players’ progress.
The Heath Streak Multi-Sports Academy is targeting adopting 200 schools by end of next year.
Online Reporter
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