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Peter Tanyanyiwa-Correspondent
THE Zimbabwe cricket team yesterday dedicated today’s second ODI against India to childhood cancer awareness.
The Chevrons took time from training yesterday to do a one-hour tour of the KidzCan A4 childhood cancer ward at Parirenyatwa Hospital.
The players will be battling it out with India in the second ODI today and they may have just gotten the blessings they needed as they put smiles on the faces of children with cancer. They brought goodies and toys for them.
It was like a second Christmas in one year for the children.
Players, who toured the KidzCan Zimbabwe A4 Ward at Parirenyatwa Hospital, include all-rounder Sikandar Raza, Brad Evans, captain Regis Chakabva and Tino Mawoyo.
Speaking on the sidelines of the tour, the KidzCan Zimbabwe executive director, Daniel Mackenzie, said he was proud of the Zimbabwe national cricket team players who showed compassion and zeal in spreading childhood cancer awareness.
“We have partnered with the Zimbabwe cricket team, and we are glad that the team has decided to dedicate the second ODI (against India) to raising awareness about childhood cancer through KidzCan Zimbabwe. We are asking that spectators come in orange, as a measure of raising awareness, to us this is a great opportunity both locally and globally, as the game will be broadcasted across many international channels,” he said.
“The players have volunteered to raise awareness throughout the game, they have allowed KidzCan Zimbabwe to be on sight, offering more information on childhood cancer. We have also been offered two boundary boards. We will have a post-match presentation where one of our patience will also receive a match ball from the players and something from Zimbabwe Cricket. We are saying that our children matter, they deserve a right to fight cancer and as part of human rights, no child should be left behind.
“The tour means that the players have a heart, they care about children suffering from cancer in Zimbabwe. We hope people do take heed that children do get cancer and it must be detected early for them to get help,” said Mackenzie.
Raza pledged to fix the dilapidated A4 Special ward kitchen and also bring some food and toiletries which the young cancer patients desperately need.
The touched Raza could be seen going from room to room as he distributed teddy bears. He then requested for a list of things needed so he can do what he can on his next visit.
The Zimbabwe national cricket team captain Chakabva urged all cricket fanatics to come and support them today and to wear orange as a sign of childhood cancer awareness symbol.
“This tour was touching we could see that there is still a lot of work to be done. We want to call upon everyone to join hands in fighting and spreading childhood cancer awareness. To everyone coming to the second ODI, let’s all dress in orange and help save lives, let’s all speak with one voice,” said Chakabva.
Online Reporter