BACKGROUNDCALYPSO CRICKET is a unique and fun adaptation of conventional cricket. Utilising most of the rules of cricket, the game is played on the beaches with two teams of ten players each. This competitive sport originated in the West Indian islands and is played between different villages that gather in their hundreds for the event. It has proven to be an exciting way of introducing young children to the game of cricket.
In 1991, Brad Bing, Managing Director of Sporting Chance introduced CALYPSO CRICKET to South Africa after visiting the West Indies to study the Calypso concept. Initially the annual event was held only in the Western Cape on Sunrise Beach near Muizenberg, with the idea of creating an uplifting environment where children could enjoy the game of cricket and bring together various communities. However, due to increasing success and demand, it has expanded to Durban, East London, Port Elizabeth, Plettenberg Bay, Wilderness, Mossel Bay, Hermanus, Kommetjie and the Strand and all events culminate with a festival in Muizenberg.
The excitement of the children involved is gratifying and CALYPSO CRICKET has become a highlight in the lives of many of them, some of whom have never seen the sea before. Participation in the programme is from the age of nine till 15 years, thereby offering the youth the opportunity to engage in a healthy and fun-filled lifestyle throughout the critical and formative years. The communities and clubs are therefore an integral part of the programme. Although we continue to emphasise the fun and educational aspects of CALYPSO CRICKET, it has also become a vehicle to identify natural talent and has the support of Cricket South Africa and the various provincial cricketing bodies.
 CALYPSO HISTORY:1991 – 1999
In 1991, Calyspso Cricket was launched at the ‘home of Calypso Cricket’ on Sunrise Beach in Muizenberg, where it became an annual event for the next nine years. These events were funded by either a private sponsor or by income generated from the Sporting Chance coaching clinics.
2000
A generous donation of clothing from cellular company MTN ensured that each participant received a Calypso Cricket t-shirt. For the first time, the Calypso Cricket festival grew to play its event over two days in Muizenberg which ensured the project reached more children from impoverished areas in the Western Cape.
2001-2004
2001 saw huge growth in various sectors for Calypso Cricket. Not only was a title sponsor secured, but the first Calypso ‘road show’ was also launched which opened in Cape Town and worked its way up the coast finishing in Plettenberg Bay. The involvement of sponsors Pick ‘n Pay and Pick ‘n Pay’s Choice Brands ensured that the ‘road show’ provided the ideal learning curve as every festival was met with warm appreciation from the local communities.
In 2002 the Calypso Cricket ‘road show’ route was reversed, commencing in the Eastern Cape with a festival on Kings Beach in Port Elizabeth and moving southwards to end in Cape Town.
As part of the 2003 Cricket World Cup preparations, a Mayor from each city signed a cricket bat on behalf of the children from each region. This bat was presented to the captain of South Africa, Shaun Pollock .
2005-2006
The Calypso Cricket ‘road show’ grew to East London in the Border region. This location on Nahoon Beach was traditionally ‘the home of Black African cricket’ in South Africa.
2007
For the first time in its history the Pick ‘n Pay Calypso Beach Cricket Festival was launched outside the borders of the Cape. Thanks to title sponsor Pick ‘n Pay and new associate sponsor, JAG Sports and Education Foundation, the Pick ‘n Pay Calypso Beach Cricket festival was launched on Durban’s Addington Beach on the KwaZulu-Natal coastline.
2008
With continued support from title sponsor Pick n Pay and additional sponsorship from Virgin Active and Department of Cultural Affairs and Sports, the Pick n Pay Calypso Cricket Festival again drew huge interest with its launch in Durban, visiting the coast line of the Eastern Cape and Garden Route before finishing up on the shores of the Western Cape at Sunrise Beach in Muizenberg.
2009
Title sponsors Pick n Pay continued their exceptional support together with associate sponsors Virgin Active, ensuring that over 8 000 children from impoverished areas along the coast of South Africa got the opportunity to participate in the Pick n Pay Calypso Cricket Festival. 14 festivals spanning over three weeks provided a fantastic start to the festive season. Each festival was well supported by the respective regional cricket unions with talent identification being paramount. OBJECTIVES:The objectives of the CALYPSO CRICKET concept are aimed at assisting and addressing specific requirements within our South African environment. Sporting Chance believe that through reaching their objectives, CALYPSO CRICKET is contributing substantially to the country’s social environment and making a difference to specific social concerns.
The primary objective of CALYPSO CRICKET in South Africa is to:
• Build a better understanding between different communities and cultures through sport;
• Show children the value of sport in building a positive future; and
• Provide everyone an equal opportunity whilst learning the skills of cricket in a non-elitist and fun environment.
In addition to these, the professional presentation of the events has also allowed us to focus on the following objectives specific to the game of cricket:
• Promote and market the game of cricket;
• Identify and nurture raw and natural talent; and
• Offer SA children a healthy and positive alternative to a sedentary and disruptive lifestyle.
Support for the programme is critical. CALYPSO CRICKET has the official support of many stakeholders, including:
• Cricket South Africa
• Provincial cricket administrative bodies
• Local cricket clubs in the regions where events are held
• Provincial, national and international cricketing celebrities
• Provincial municipalities and Tourism offices
• The Mayor and Community leaders in each event area
• The Rotarian organisations; and
• Commercial partners 
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