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A Decade Of Cricket, Curry And Charity
The month of
October is the hottest time of the year in Zambia. It is the tail
end of the cricket season before the rains set in. It is also the
month when the blue ribbon event of
Zambia’s
cricketing calendar takes place. The annual cricket triangular
tournament between Sri Lanka, England and South Africa is played by
players chosen from the countries’
Lusaka
residents. It is arguably the only sporting event in
Zambia
the proceeds from which are dedicated to a deserving charity chosen
by a joint organizing committee under the auspices of the Zambia-Sri
Lanka Friendship Association. The tenth edition of this tournament
will be played this year on October 10th at the Lotus
Sports Club grounds.
The tournament
began in 1995 and has come a long way since then. It attracts a
large crowd which watches exciting cricket, partakes of Sri Lankan
cuisine prepared at the grounds and generally participates in the
merriment and fun. Big league institutions like Stanbic Bank,
Zambian Breweries, Zambia Bottlers, Shoprite, Marounuchi Motors,
Action Auto and Armcor contribute towards the tournament in cash and
kind including the sponsorship of players, donations of kits and
renting of the grounds. Uniturtle Industries has donated a handsome
trophy for the winners and also individual trophies for the best
players. Multichoice ‘airs’ the event on their cricket programme.
Other companies erect their bill boards and banners around the
grounds, which, together with the players’ colourful attire, is a
kaleidoscopic sight. Also, at hand is a disco providing lilting
music during the breaks when fantastic prizes are on offer through
raffles and auctions. Pony and quad car rides make it a great fun
filled day for the whole family.
Through the
years many charitable causes have benefited from the largesse
generated from the tournament. The corporate credo of social
responsibility is very much alive and kicking. Over the past five
years, over K200 million has been raised and the charities that have
benefited are The Mother of Mercy Hospice for AIDS patients in
Chilanga, Kabwata Children’s Orphanage, House of Joy in Nyumba Yanga,
Muthunzi Centre – an orphanage in Lusaka West and the construction
of a medical clinic in Manyonyo in Mazabuka. A small part of the
proceeds is also donated every year to the Zambia Cricket Union for
the development of cricket in
Zambia.
The donations are officially made to a representative of the charity
and the ZCU at a cocktail hosted by the Pamodzi Hotel.
Join us on
October 10th and treat yourself and your family to a
heady mix of cricket, curry and music. All in the name of charity. |
October 2004