AS part of its commitment to contribute towards the development of cricket at grassroots level, Old Mutual has unveiled sponsorship that will see over 60 schools participate in a three-day festival at various schools across Harare.
REPORT BY SPORTS REPORTER
The Old Mutual National Cricket Festival 2013, which started on Tuesday and ends tomorrow, has attracted 59 schools from across the country and two from South Africa. This is the first time the festival, which is now in its 21st year, has managed to secure sponsorship.
Old Mutual’s sponsorship of $43 000 catered for playing kits for all 61 schools, umpires’ uniforms and food and refreshments for the participants.
The festival that will comprise 50 limited overs matches is being held in partnership with the Junior Cricket Committee and the Schools Cricket Development Committee.
Old Mutual’s group chief executive, Jonas Mushosho, said sponsorship of the cricket festival was in line with his organisation’s desire of identifying, nurturing and developing talent among the youth.
“Cricket is arguably the fastest growing sport in the country and Old Mutual has identified it as a key area to invest in. Apart from sponsoring the Old Mutual National Cricket Festival, we are also involved in a nationwide grassroots development programme in partnership with the five national franchises, namely Mashonaland Eagles, Matabeleland Tuskers, Mountaineers, Midlands and Southern Rocks,” said Mushosho.
“Later this week, from 30 August to 1 September, CABS, our banking subsidiary, will be sponsoring another exciting cricket tournament, the St George’s T20 Tournament. Twelve schools will participate, including three from South Africa.
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“As the country’s leading diversified financial services group, we want our children to appreciate that sport is business. Old Mutual will continue to work with like-minded organisations in promoting sport among youths. For cricket, our grassroots programme is targeted at those in the 11 to 19 age bracket,” he said.
A member of the organising committee, Kevin Atkinson, said this year’s festival is the biggest to date.
“This is the biggest field we’ve had in the history of the festival. It’s also the first time we’ve had external sponsorship. We have two schools coming from South Africa — St Andrew’s from Grahamstown, Prestige from Johannesburg,” said Atkinson, who is also the headmaster of St Georges College.
“Each team will play three games and there will be no winners or losers, it’s the participation that is important,” he said.
