PCA ‘Kit For Kids’ Project — 10/03/2005
England chairman of selectors David Graveney has been in Sri Lanka observing the England A team whilst embarking on a tsunami relief mission under the banner of the PCA (Professional Cricketers’ Association) ‘Kit For Kids’ project..
The project is focusing on replacing cricket kit lost in the devastation caused by a huge tsunami hitting South East Asia on Boxing Day last year. Graveney has visited fifteen schools along the south coast from Colombo to Galle to Matare. In some cases the schools were left intact while the cricket kit was washed away in the children’s homes. While in other areas, sports equipment in the schools themselves suffered at the hands of the giant wave.
Graveney commented,
“After boxing day, we all sat down and thought what could we do to help the people devastated by the earthquake. Having been to Sri Lanka, I know how important cricket is to the people there. I contacted an old school colleague of mine Ana Punchihewa, who is a former president of the Sri Lankan Cricket Board. We came up with the idea of replacing cricket kit in the schools.
“The first school I visited has five cricket teams, but only one bat and three balls. During my travels it has been a case of compiling a shopping list of the cricket kit required. Both the Lord’s Taverners and the MCC have shown interest in supporting this project and this is just one small example of how the cricket world has united to support those affected by the tsunami.
“My trip assisted by the ECB and PCA Business Partners and I would like to thank The Hilton Group and Emirates Airlines in particular for making this trip possible.”
If you would further information, or to make a donation, please contact the PCA Office on 0207 5448668, or email admin@pcaml.co.uk.
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