{"id":300,"date":"2011-03-18T19:37:05","date_gmt":"2011-03-18T19:37:05","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/cwbblogs.com\/rwanda2011\/?p=300"},"modified":"2014-01-09T20:28:32","modified_gmt":"2014-01-09T20:28:32","slug":"day-13","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cwbblogs.com\/rwanda2011\/2011\/03\/18\/day-13\/","title":{"rendered":"Day 13 \u2013 Kigali Cricket Festival"},"content":{"rendered":"

The final day saw us put on a schools cricket festival at the national cricket ground in Kigali.\u00a0 As grand as this may sound, play took place on a wide expanse of dirt and grass, which was actually a great area for a cricket festival.\u00a0 84 children turned up, aged between 9 and 16; they were grouped into juniors (9-12) and seniors (13-16) and 4 teams of 10 or 11 in each group.<\/p>\n

As soon as play began it became apparent that despite not having been in cricket teams before, loyalty and a desire to win was embued in all the children.\u00a0 Runs were cheered, boundaries exalted and wickets celebrated with vigour \u2013 run outs in particular generated volume and animated expressions whichever way the umpire\u2019s decision went.\u00a0 \u00a0In one match a loss actually resulted in tears such was the passion and the will to win!<\/p>\n

After some 12 games of cricket the winners were decided and we presented prizes to the best batters and bowlers in both the senior and junior sections before announcing the winning teams.\u00a0 We also presented a bag of cricket kit to Kicukiro School, which was gratefully received, resulting in big cheers and further celebrations.\u00a0 It was a great way to round off the trip; a hugely enjoyable competition for all involved and one which none of us will forget.<\/p>\n