21st Annual Calypso Cricket Festival

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"It is a fantastic achievement that Calypso Cricket is turning 21," says Bing. "It means that we have exposed an entire generation of youngsters to the sport of cricket and the benefits of teamwork, as well as giving them a reward at the end of the academic year. Every year we introduce new groups of children to the programme and their participation and excitement is gratifying as Calypso Cricket continues to be a highlight in their lives."

Over the past 21 years the festival has also been recognised as a vehicle for identifying young sporting talent, for fostering a love of cricket and sport in general and as an opportunity to provide a large number of children with a fun filled holiday activity.

Thami Tsolekile, former Protea's wicketkeeper and current Lions' player was one of the first participants of the Calypso Cricket festival as well as Eagle's player Malusi 'Lolly' Siboto. Since then, the Calypso Cricket Festival has continued to identify natural talent and has facilitated the opportunity for 43 learners to go onto play provincial cricket at school level.

The Festival is a unique and fun adaptation of the conventional game. Employing most of the rules of cricket, Calypso Cricket is played on the beach with two teams of ten players each. This spirited game originated in the West Indies and is played between different villages where people gather in their hundreds for the event.

"Calypso Cricket is a unique approach to cricket coaching and one that has proven to be an exciting way of introducing young children, particularly from our emerging communities, to the game, whilst providing them with a platform to excel," adds Bing.

"It's about hitting the ball hard - fielding in ankle deep water and bowling with vigour – while dodging waves and making new friends in the process."

Participation in the programme is from the age of eight to 15, offering learners the opportunity to engage in a healthy and fun-filled lifestyle throughout those critical, formative years. The communities and clubs are therefore an integral part of the programme.

Robyn Moore, Club V manager of Virgin Active, adds: "Calypso Cricket provides children with a healthy and positive alternative to a sedentary and disruptive lifestyle. Virgin Active is proud to be associated with the Calypso Cricket project that has a tremendous track record in assisting in improving the lives of thousands of South Africa's children.

"The Calypso Cricket Festival is one of the many vehicles Sporting Chance employs throughout the year to give all children an equal opportunity to participate in team sports that teach essential skills that can be applied throughout their lives," said Ron Fasol, CEO of I&J. "Sport shows us the beauty of friendship, camaraderie and team spirit and it helps us to deal with the hardships of failure, frustration and disappointment."

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The 21st annual Calypso Cricket Festival takes place on the following dates: