Cricket fun for everyone!
“From introducing the basics to sharing the joy of the game - we plant the seeds of cricket in new communities.”This is what Cricket Namibia says about its development team's visit to the Kunene region where they exposed many children to the fun of cricket last week.
This visit forms part of the Ashburton Kwata initiative which exposes young children - both boys and girls - all over the country to the game of mini-cricket in a fun and safe environment.
Ashburton Kwata Cricket focuses on a simplified form of cricket that includes activities and games. Kwata cricket uses soft balls and only basic cricket equipment. It can easily be played on any surface; no field is required.
“Kwata cricket can therefore easily be enjoyed in any community,” Cricket Namibia said on its website about the initiative.
Kwata cricket aims to lay the foundation for a lifelong interest in cricket as well as to convey the many life skills and principles in sport.
“These life skills and principles include respect, discipline, teamwork, self-esteem and decision-making skills which all contribute to child development.”
This initiative is implemented nationwide and is offered to young boys and girls from grades 1 to 4.
Development coaches also work in partnership with local schools and teachers to implement Kwata cricket in numerous schools nationwide.
“The games of Kwata cricket are regularly offered in the physical education classes in participating schools. Many of the targeted schools are located in the poorer communities. Around 10 000 children currently participate in Kwata cricket activities every week.” – [email protected]