Uganda Cricket Association (UCA) has distributed playing equipment to schools and women clubs in a bid to promote the sport right from grassroot levels.
The equipments have been given out on Friday morning in Lugogo to 17 schools and 13 women clubs.
The association received the equipment as a donation from Bankstown District Cricket Club, an initiative that started since 2004.
“We are very grateful for this support we have with Bankstown,” said UCA CEO Martin Ondeko. “Our story with Bankstown started way back in 2004 when we went for the U19 World Cup in Bangladesh and the Australians were impressed with our performance.”
“Australia’s U19 team manager then, Brian Freedman went back and sourced from clubs in Sydney and whole of Australia. Our first container came the following year in 2005, we have received 12 containers since.”
Ondeko urged the team representatives not to keep the equipment in store but use them accordingly.
The equipment include Helmets, bats, balls, wicket-keeping pads, gears, gloves, high pads, stumps among others.
“It’s not easy to play and compete accordingly without enough equipment,” said Pioneer Cricket Club’s Ritah Tinka. “We face lots of challenges but most circle around inadequate equipment, it is embarrassing to ask for a glove from an opponent you are going to face.”
The Recipients:
Schools
Kings College Budo, Mukono Parents, Makerere College, Kololo SS, Kyambogo College, Ndejje SS, St John School Mukono, Trinity Academy Bwebajja, Ntare School, Nyakasura School, Masaka SS, Jinja SS, Busoga High, Busoga College Mwiri, Kiira College Butiki, Iganga SS, Teso College.
Clubs
Division I – Aziz Damani, Soroti Challengers, Kampala Institute CC, Olila High School, Pioneer Cricket Club, Jinja SS
Division II – Wanderers CC, Tornado Bee, St John’s school, Aziz Damani Development, Gayaza High School, Premier Cricket Club, Ceylon Cricket Club.
