We break the thousand barrier

Sustainability and development of this beautiful land and it’s amazing people may seem a tall order. However, the powerful message and amazing impact of ‘Cricket Without Boundaries’ was felt by many of the team today when we managed to coach over 1,000 children. The future of this ‘Pearl of Africa’ was never more evident by their early enthusiasm; that soon transpired into a demonstration of ability and talent in abundance. Their mixed ages and religions was never a barrier to blending into their coaching teams and practicing their skills in a fun loving and harmonious way that nearly brought tears to my eyes.

The coaching team are very skilled in bringing the HIV and AIDS message to the children at every opportunity. The understanding and respect we gained from the children was a credit to the British component as well as the growing confidence of the Ugandan members of the team, whom are apt in reaching out and delivering this life changing message home.

From a personal perspective I was pleased to not be hunted down by a horned cow grazing in the outfield today. It took a shine to my warm up run yesterday. Waka is a great companion and agreed to take over as head of ‘Ministry of Animal Affairs’! He is a jovial and happy character that along with the rest of the team I have grown to appreciate their amazing qualities. We managed to get a swim in this evening to offer some dusty, hot and hard working bodies some relaxation.

As I write this we are watching the highlights of the De Villiers innings and hope that after hopefully touching many hearts and minds with the HIV and AIDS message here in Uganda that one day the natural ability of these African cricketers will play in a World Cup.

More schools coaching tomorrow and we all cannot wait to see the smiling and enthusiastic children of Mbale again, and ‘Test’ their cricket skills, alongside some now trained local teachers. TK