The NASHUA Dolphins cricket team spent two successful days on the beaches of Durban in celebration of the Pick n Pay Calypso Cricket Festival in partnership with Virgin Active and Sporting Chance, as well as media partners Lets Play and East Coast Radio.
In an announcement made by the Kwazulu Natal Cricket Union CEO Jesse Chellan, Natal Cricket is looking at forming an association with event organizers, Sporting Chance on future events.
Chellan too found himself barefoot on the beach interacting with the children in Calypso style. “I relocated from Johannesburg to Durban for the sun, the surf and the cricket, so to be able to do all of this is in one go, was awesome!” said Chellan.
With over 400 children who were bussed in to attend the festival from impoverished areas, the children took full advantage of their local hero’s, the Nashua Dolphins Cricket team who were coaching, mentoring and scouting for possible talent to embark on future coaching programs in the Natal Cricket system.
“To see 400 young children, boys and girls, playing cricket over a two kilometer stretch of beach was inspiring. The sense of fun and enjoyment was clearly visible and this is essential for growing participation the game. Given the wonderful Durban beaches, I will be exploring opportunities with Sporting Chance on how we can make beach cricket more accessible and more regular”, said Chellan.
Dolphins captain, Imraan Khan was extremely impressed with the festival and talent on the beach. Speaking from the beach, he praised the organizers Pick n Pay for putting such a strong beach cricket initiative together and also made special mention of East Coast Radio. “As radio partner to the Dolphins, it’s fantastic to see ECR getting involved in this talent identification festival as well. It’s a real pleasure for the Dolphins team to be down here interacting with the kids who might one day, be our future superstars” said Khan.
Meanwhile, Managing Director of Sporting Chance, Brad Bing said the interest of the Dolphins team made a huge impact in all areas at the event.
“The Dolphins cricket team was enthusiastic to help each cricketer on the beach” said Bing who was thrilled in forming an association with Natal cricket for future events.
“Apart from the quality of cricket, the general interest in cricket in the Kwazulu-Natal region can only grow with so much involvement from the Dolphins team. The development aspect of Calypso cricket works well in the safe environment” said Bing.