Cricket In The Wild

Cricket will be played in one of the most beatiful, if unlikely of locations this weekend as Ol Pejeta Conservancy play host to Kenya’s first ever “10:10” cricket tournament. Organised to raise funds for the conservancy, the event kicks off on Friday 1st and continues over Saturday and Sunday. The following is an edited version of the press release from the organisers:

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There are a total number of seven teams; they will be split into two leagues with each team required to play at least three games.

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All teams are required to raise a minimum of KSh: 100,000 sponsorship. All funds will go towards the Ol Pejeta community assistance programme. This programme assists local people in the development of health and education services, water and road infrastructure, eco-tourism based enterprise and agricultural extension. Ol Pejeta conservancy works to conserve wildlife, provide a sanctuary for great apes and to generate income through wildlife, tourism and complementary enterprise for reinvestment in conservation and community development
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The first game is scheduled to start at 12.00pm on Friday the 1st, and we hope to complete the tournament no later than 14.40hrs on Sunday 3rd, followed by a prize giving ceremony which includes the team that raised most sponsorship, the winning tournament team and the most humorous “sledgers”.

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Spectators are welcome for the duration of the event at a nominal charge of KSh: 500 per vehicle or aircraft to be put towards the Ol Pejeta community assistance programme. Ol Pejeta will provide shade structures and limited chairs, players and spectators should bring there own chairs if possible. General facilities include a comprehensive cash bar at the pitch side, food outlet (selling burgers, hot-dogs, bacon sandwiches, samosas etc cash basis) and toilets. On Saturday entertainment for children will be provide in the form of a bouncy castle, face painting, a magic man and acrobats and on Saturday the East African Womens League will be providing a BBQ lunch featuring Ol Pejeta beef.

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Kenya has a great tradition of such sporting events that raise money for charity. Some of the better known are the Lewa Marathon, The Rhino Charge and Diani Rules. It is great to see cricket joining the party and helping make our nation just that little bit better. For those who would like to know more, you can visit the website. I may also look at posting the schedule here tomorrow as well if I get time.