Today marked our final working day in Yaounde, the day of the CWB Schools Cricket Festival. Just five days ago our team arrived in Cameroon, unsure about the reception that we would receive and the impact that our unique style of HIV/Aids Awareness through cricket would have. We needn’t have been concerned. After what has been a sometimes challenging, yet incredibly rewarding few days, we were greeted by the smiling faces of children and teachers from 5 schools with 11 teams – all of whom we had met for the first time and introduced to cricket only a short time ago. Over the space of a few incredible hours in the blistering Cameroon heat, some 200 boys and girls took part in one of the most memorable days for CWB. The newly trained teachers showed that they are committed to their new roles as cricket coaches and the children did not disappoint us with their incredible natural abilities with both bat and ball. When not playing, they were supporting and there was rarely a moment when a chant of ABC…..CWB was not ringing round the ground!

A truly inspiring morning and one that none of us will forget. Massive thanks must go to Jo, Rich T and Rich D, not only for organising such an amazing Festival, but for also guiding us through such a ground breaking week for CWB.

 

Once the fun of the Schools Festival had subsided the team put their thoughts to more serious matters… the CWB & Commonwealth vs Cameroon cricket game. Bolstered by the inclusion of our very own High Commissioner, Bharat Joshi and two of his colleagues, the Away side, under the expert guidance of Rich D (our senior Pro), decided to bat first. In an innings of just 8 overs, we scraped and slogged our way to 34. Some may feel this was under par… we would probably have to agree! Never the less, the team took to the field and managed to restrict the Cameroon National side…for about 5 overs, before snatching victory from us. We would like to describe the contest as close, but we would be lying! Having said that, a wonderful event, with an audience of Government officials, dignatories, local coaches, children, reporters and a TV film crew. More than anything it helped to cement our newly founded relationship with Cameroon and gain further exposure for positive awareness of HIV/Aids. It may also be worth mentioning that Bharat not only scored us the odd run or two, he also caught a catch as wicket keeper and then took a wicket when he bowled! First on the team sheet for next time I’m afraid, sorry Barat!

Our eventful day ended with a kind invitation to attend a reception which was hosted by the High Commissioner, Bharat Joshi, on our behalf. A wonderful event, when we got to meet and greet many more dignatories and made more important contacts and friends. A massive thank you to Bharat for laying on such a fantastic evening and for welcoming us so warmly over the past week.