BSP boosts cricket

BANK South Pacific (BSP) has committed a massive K750,000 over a three-year period under the “School Kricket” programme to teach cricket to children throughout PNG.
The programme, facilitated by Cricket PNG, will be called the “BSP School Kriket”, was launched and announced at the Wardstrip Primary School in Port Moresby on Wednesday.
The programme is aimed to reach more  than  50,000 children and 180 schools, with targets of both male and female between the ages of 10 and 16 years old.
The annual rollout of K250,000 for three years is aimed at reaching children in PNG through its branches, beginning this year covering 50 schools in the National Capital District and 20 schools in 12 other provinces.
Each of these programmes will be managed by designated PNG Cricket regional managers.
Cricket PNG general manager Bill Leane said in a statement that cricket was excited to be able to deliver a meaningful national development programme for children.
“Not only is BSP’s support significantly lucrative, it is the complete organisational commitment that makes this programme special,” Leane said.
“One of the main messages driven behind the programme was the building of self-esteem in boys and girls, and giving young athletes the opportunity to compete without the inherent issues of contact sports. Cricket is fun and safe.”
BSP chief executive officer Ian Clyne is satisfied about the partnership with both organisation.
He commended Cricket PNG for their professionalism and enthusiasm in the programme.
Clyne added light to the growth of the programme, committing to assisting with additional customised equipment such as bats, balls and stumps for children, besides the annual K250,000.
“It is BSP’s hope that more young talents, especially from the non-traditional cricket areas will soon be discovered.
“It will also lead to PNG becoming a regional powerhouse in cricket within the next 5-10 years,” he said.
Bank Sout Pacific and Cricket PNG are optimistic that a total of 100,000 children will have participated in the programme by the end of next year.