Photo Credit: Cricket South Africa
Cricket South Africa (CSA) has shared in the joy to be part of team South Africa (SA) in the Street Child Cricket World Cup (SCCWC) which is underway in Chennai, India.
The opportunity was made possible by the Sporting Chance Development Foundation SA, which will see eight youngsters from the Western Cape take part in the tournament.
The SCCWC, organized by global organization Street Child United, provides a platform for children living in marginalized communities throughout the world to be heard, so they can receive the protection, support and opportunity that every child deserves.
The ten (10) day event brings together 170 young people from 19 countries to take part in a World Cup style cricket tournament, a festival of arts, alongside child-friendly congress sessions to shine a spotlight on the challenges faced by street-connected children.
Team SA was selected by CSA’s Ancillary partner, the Sporting Chance Development Foundation, following certain criteria and with majority of the team coming from Baphumelele Children’s Home in Khayelitsha.
This year marks the second edition of the Street Child Cricket World Cup, following the success of the inaugural event in London 2019, where the finals were hosted at Lords Cricket Ground. The 2023 edition will take place at Amir Mahal, the official residence of the titular Nawab of Arcot, hosted by Nawab. Asif Ali, Dewan to the Prince of Arcot.
On the pitch, Team South Africa will take on national teams of mixed players (boys and girls) from countries including Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe, England, Hungary, Mauritius, Burundi, Mexico, Nepal, Rwanda and Uganda. There will also be seven Indian teams representing different organisations from different regions across India. The tournament will play to the rules of Street20 Cricket, a format designed to promote equality and inclusivity.
Off the pitch, the young players will connect through creative art workshops and child-centred congress sessions to shape their messages before presenting their voices at the General Assembly, hosted at the Savera hotel in Chennai, India.
CSA Chief Executive Officer, Pholetsi Moseki, said;
“We are delighted to be a part of the Street Child Cricket World Cup, an event that not only celebrates the spirit of cricket but also provides a platform for marginalized children to be seen and heard.
“Through the Sporting Chance Development Foundation SA, we have the privilege of sending a talented group of youngsters from the Western Cape to represent South Africa on this global stage. It’s a testament to the power of cricket to create opportunities and inspire young hearts.”
“This tournament goes beyond boundaries and scores; it’s about unity, equality, and the right of every child to dream.
“We are proud to stand alongside Street Child United in this initiative, and we hope that the world will join us in supporting these young athletes as they showcase their talent and determination. We believe that cricket has the power to change lives, and we’re excited to see our Team SA make their mark both on and off the pitch,” said Moseki.
Speaking about the trip Brad Bing, MD of Sporting Chance Development Foundation, shared the following:
“We as the Sporting Chance Development Foundation thank Cricket South Africa for their support to take this team of inspirational youth to the Street Child Cricket World Cup in Chennai, India. The Street Child Cricket World Cup complements the objectives of our Street Cricket and Calypso Cricket programmes, which are sport for development projects using the wonderful game of cricket as the vehicle for life skills education and empowerment.
“It’s been quite a journey to get to this point with the logistical challenges of passports, visas, etc. for children that live without full parental support. The team at Baphumelele and their social workers have been wonderful to work with and we are relieved that we will finally be on the plane to India and able to give these youth a life enriching opportunity.
“Most of them have never ventured far from their community, so the aeroplane journey and this gateway to see the world and connect with children from all around the globe will be something that will develop them as individuals and allow them to come back to their communities as role models and heroes – despite what happens on the cricket pitch.”
For further information on the Sporting Chance Development Foundation contact Natalie Pollock on 082 722 9653 or follow our journey on instagram.com/, facebook.com/sportingchance or visit www.sportingchance.co.za
For more info on the Street Child Cricket World Cup and the work of Street Child United visit www.streetchildunited.org
