While, Cricket PNG celebrates the Hebou PNG Barramundis, and the CPL PNG Lewas for making their mark in the region and at other world staged tournaments, they also have their development program achievements to celebrate.
Cricket PNG has gone nationwide with their BSP School Kriket program as of this year alone.
Since starting in 2009, the BSP School Kriket has grown from just hundreds participating to thousands.
Cricket PNG has reached a new record of participation this year.
With a recorded total of 188,407 students, this program was carried out in 252 schools.
In line with the aim of providing an opportunity for children to be introduced to the sport of cricket, the program has achieved exactly that, and have exceeded their initial target of reaching at least 150,000 children.
A pleased Game Development & Training Manager, Charles Kendee, said, cricket is for all, regardless of origin, age, gender or disability.
Surprisingly, the Highlands region has logged in the highest participation with Eastern Highlands at 37,697, followed by NCD with 37,363.
And joining the two is Western Highlands with a healthy participation of 25,588.
Remarkably, cricket is reaching inroad areas, especially in the Highlands region where the code is not popular. Interschool competitions have surfaced, like the popular “Blast” one day face off, as a result of the BSP School Kriket.
Kendee added, with just 49 percent female participation, there is still a need for more girls to take part in this regionally recognized development program.
Cricket PNG hopes the program reaches more next year, especially the Niugini Islands and the Momase Region.
