Cricket Wellington Media Release
11 November 2009

Cricket Wellington proudly supports Indian trip

It is often said that the surest way of breaking down class and communication barriers in India and to make people happy is to start a game of cricket. That is why Cricket Wellington is proudly supporting a group of twenty people from the Meadows Church on the Kapiti Coast who are currently in India working with under privileged people.

The group flew to India on 8 November for a three-week trip to the heavily populated slum areas of predominantly Mumbai and Pune and Cricket Wellington have kindly supplied a range of gear to them for use as a means of communication and aid.

Meadows Church spokesman Mason Griffin says cricket is the perfect tool to assist the under privileged people that they are visiting: “Knowing that they are 'cricket crazy' and being able to play a few games with these children is a fantastic way to interact with a large number of them at the schools.”

Cricket Wellington Development Manager Peter Clinton says this is a great initiative and something Cricket Wellington is happy to be involved in: “It is a small contribution of playing gear from us, but we know it will be greatly appreciated by those communities that receive it and who love their cricket so much.”

Griffin says their group is dividing into three core teams so as to cover as much as possible in the three weeks that they are there. Two of the teams are helping where possible at one of the existing schools within the two slums and will help run some classes to hopefully share with the pupils a glimpse of New Zealand

“No doubt the Blackcaps will be mentioned, and I am sure that the ensuing suggestion of a game of cricket with them will be welcomed,” adds Griffin.

The remaining team has been set up as a medical unit. This team includes a doctor, a nurse and assistants. Their primary aims are to help with very basic health care, and to raise the profile / awareness of health issues within the region.

In addition to the above, a smaller group is travelling to Miraj to work with underprivileged orphaned children.

ENDS

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