Inner city women’s cricket bags award
As England take on South Africa at the Oval this weekend, a few miles East an Olympic legacy project has been honoured after getting dozens of young woman into cricket.
Back to Cricket has brought cricket into the heart of Tower Hamlets, with bespoke cricket sessions for young Bangladeshi Muslim women who requested women-only sessions.
It’s part of Sport England’s Sportivate Olympic and Paralympic legacy initiative, whichgives 14- to 25-year-olds a chance to try different sports.
More than 25 young women have attended each of the weekly sessions, with Middlesex Cricket Board ensuring a Bangladeshi-speaking female coach was on hand to support those for whom English is a second language.
Teenager Shamima who lives in Poplar, Tower Hamlets, said: “I like it because cricket is a fun game and there is a nice group here. The environment is really good and I have made lots of friends. I really enjoy it.”
South Wales meets South Africa in social legacy project
A major arts project, Mzansi Cymru has been linking the deprived communities of South Wales and South Africa as part of the Cultural Olympiad
Organised by Valleys Kids, a community regeneration charity based in the Rhondda, the project culminates in a large scale performance which celebrates the achievements of disadvantaged youngsters in the Valleys and the township of Langa in Cape Town.
From Nottingham to Njombe… Torch showcases international legacy
The Olympic flame may now be in Nottingham, but thanks to the young people carrying the Torch today, the spirit of London 2012 is also being felt thousands of miles away.
Twenty young people are being recognised for their role in the International Inspiration legacy programme, which is using the power of sport to inspire people around the world.
Among them is 19-year-old Pinky from India who runs sports sessions for the young people in her community as well as acting as an advocate on issues such as child marriage and adult literacy.
London 2012 Organising Committee Chair Seb Coe said:
“All 20 of the International Inspiration Torchbearers have been a real inspiration in their community and demonstrate the impact sport can have on a person’s life.”
The International Inspiration programme is now running in 20 countries, including Zambia, Bangladesh, Ethiopia, Mozambique and Uganda, and has reached more than 12 million young people.
Find out more on the London 2012 website.
