2011 BSP School Kriket Launches in PNG
With the successful completion of the 2010 ICC Global award winning BSP School Kriket program, BSP and Cricket PNG officially announced today that the largest sports development program in the country was about to get even bigger.
The announcement continues the three year sponsorship of more than K275,000.00 annually for three years which started May 2010 for the BSP School Kriket program.
The official launch of the 2011 program saw Cricket PNG announcing a target of more than 100,000 children in the country across 10 key provinces including NCD, Central, Morobe, New Ireland, Madang, West New Britain, Oro, Eastern and Western Highlands Provinces.
During this official launch of the 2011 program, Cricket PNG also presented to BSP the ICC East Asia and Pacific Development Programme Award of which the BSP School Kriket program was named the 'Best Junior Development Initiative.' This was a gesture of appreciation from Cricket PNG towards BSP's invaluable support in developing cricket in the country in ensuring the program reach the great outcome last year.
Cricket PNG Chief Executive Officer, Bill Leane, said "Having won the ICC award for best Global Junior Cricket Development program in 2010 it is now our intention in 2011 to build on this success by delivering a more streamlined program that is attentive to the changing situations in the provinces in which we operate. More than 100,000 students are being targeted, as well as over 1,000 teachers who will undergo BSP School Kriket Teachers Accreditation from over 180 schools."
"The BSP School cricket program is non gender specific and in 2010 we saw 47% girls and 53% boys participate. This is what stands this program out amongst all sports", remarked Leane.
"The BSP School Kricket program is an Education program which concentrates on three (3) pillars and priorities."
"Firstly education - The program has actual 45 minute lessons and teaches skills and behaviours."
"Secondly health - For children being active and participating in exercise is critical"
"Lastly community - Fair play, good sports and strong community messages like HIV/Aids awareness are critical outcomes of what we teach," said Leane.
BSP Deputy Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, Johnson Kalo upon receiving the award, said greater appreciation and tribute should go back to Cricket PNG especially the team of regional managers in carrying out a successful program that has received International recognition.
"Cricket at all levels in PNG is making outstanding progress and all involved should be congratulated as this is the first time a PNG youth sporting development program has won a global award for its outstanding efforts in promoting a sport throughout PNG," said Kalo.