Commending the works done by the Uganda Cricket Association in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has recognised the relief works done as Cricket 4 Good Social Impact Initiative of the Year.
The Uganda men's and women's cricket teams, known as the Cricket Cranes and Lady Cricket Cranes were hoping to have a busy year ahead last year before they along with others such as cricket volunteers, such as coaches, umpires, curators and sports teachers were confined in isolation.
The funding started in March, with a cash transfer to 20 of the best male players and ten of the best female players. Ground staff received assistance, followed by another ten women, umpires, and coaches in April. Around 100 games teachers and their families from schools involved in UCA development programmes had been included by May and by the time the country started to pick up after early outbreak, around 1500 people had benefited by November.
Those in need from development hubs such as Soroti, Jinja, Kasese, and Entebbe were also brought into the fold, in addition to poor families in the Lugogo district.
The chairman of the UCA, Bashir Badu, said that giving back to the communities that helps the game prosper in the country has been long overdue.
“We have so many people working pro-bono and those who are not so well to do in our fraternity, who have selflessly helped the association with the spread of the game. It was a great opportunity for the Association to appreciate them and extend its genuine feeling by supporting them with food, water and some kits. It was a way to show them that we appreciate their support and that we do not take them for granted for all they have done for the Association,” he said.