The Ugandan cricket fraternity is over the moon after it was announced as the winner of the ICC Cricket For Good Social Impact Initiative of the Year Award.
When the world including folded its arms in the bow to the coronavirus pandemic, instead Uganda Cricket Association (UCA) stretched its giving hand to the fraternity and it is this Covid-19 relief programme that landed them the accolade.
“When we were hit by the pandemic we used the opportunity to give back to the people that have enabled us to spread the game,” remarked UCA chairman Bashir Ansasiira.
“This includes teachers within the rural schools, groundsmen, national team players, and the cricket communities and we are very proud to receive this award.”
The programme began in April last year when UCA gave the top 20 men and 10 ladies of the senior national team's cash stipends and food aid following breakdowns in their income chains.
Then, UCA extended its hand through food among other essentials to about 100 teachers who help in spreading the game under the development structures.
And by the time 2020 came to a close, UCA had reached out to about 1500 individuals including the less privileged in cricket-playing areas like Lugogo, Jinja, Soroti, and Entebbe.
Other global ICC award winners included Argentina, Brazil, and Vanuatu for their outstanding contribution to the sport through exceptional programmes in 2020.
These winners including Uganda were sieved by a global independent panel consisting of 12 leaders including ICC Full Member Chief Executives, current and former international players, media representatives, and other members of the cricket family.
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This writer is a global broadcaster and as well scribe with Daily Monitor Newspaper and sports presenter with Radio One FM 90 in Kampala. Follow him on Twitter: @AllanDarren and his Facebook Page: Darren Allan Kyeyune