We in the CWB team have just completed an incredible, unforgettable nine days in Kumi and have many wonderful memories to take with us. The people have been welcoming, warm and friendly wherever we went, and the joy on the faces of the children when we brought cricket into their lives will live long with us. The joy they brought to us with their beaming smiles, infectious laughter, unwavering enthusiasm, singing and dancing was off the scale of any expectations we might have had before we came.
We enjoyed strolls through the streets, visiting the markets, a few Novida’s and of course the local delicacy, Rolex. We enjoyed the weather (mostly!) even if the torrential rain when we arrived was a surprise! Fortunately, our weather God, the gentle giraffe Tembo, ensured that we didn’t miss much cricket … other than the memorable Tuesday afternoon where we were able to give several impromptu indoor masterclasses.
To help strengthen our bonds with the children we learnt a number of new words in the local dialect, Ateso. Favourites included; yoga, yoga noi ( hi, and a response to hi), yalama ( thank you ) and emopira (ball). Unfortunately there are many dialects in Uganda so we are not able to use this new found expertise anywhere else.
We were also incredibly fortunate to work alongside Oparok and Brian, two outstanding local coaches who made an immense contribution to the CWB offering in Kumi. From the moment they joined the group, they brought such warmth, positivity, and dedication. Their energy was infectious- whether through their enthusiasm on the field, their laughter, their dance moves, or the genuine joy they brought to every session.
They blended into the group so naturally that it felt as though they had always been part of the team. Their passion for working with young people shone through in everything they did, creating an environment that was not only fun and inclusive but deeply inspiring for everyone involved.
We are so grateful for their hard work, generosity, and the spirit they shared with us throughout the programme. They are a real credit to themselves and to their region. We will miss them enormously, but we know that the same energy, care, and inspiration they brought to our time together will continue to make a lasting difference to the local children they work with every day. The impact they have is truly special, and we feel very lucky to have shared this experience with them.
Yalama, Kumi; we have had a blast!
Holly and Ken
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