By NOUMAN KHALIL
Differences, no matter what, need to be set aside and everyone must come aboard and work together for promoting cricket in Canada.
A wide range of experts from social, political, education and sports circles put their heads together during a one-day cricket conference at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education, University of Toronto, to find different ways of developing community cricket in Ontario.
“Our aim is to promote and develop community cricket,” said Melvin John, coordinator of the Ontario United Cricket Conference, held at the U of T’s Toronto campus recently. “And no matter what, we want everyone, above and beyond their affiliation with any group, to get onboard and focus on the development of the game.”
Government support
The first ever conference of its kind was attended by some 125 educators, sports experts, politicians, law enforcement professionals, community leaders, volunteers, players and students.
No wonder, the message of unity, harmony and sportsmanship also managed to win support from the provincial government.
“I am very impressed. It’s great to see people coming from across Ontario and sharing ideas. I think it’s a first step forward that has served the purpose,” Kathleen Wynne, MPP Don Valley West and Ontario Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, told Focus after the conference.
“Our government supports well run sports opportunities for young people because that’s the way we build our healthy communities and we are very interested in those kinds of initiatives,” said Wynne, without giving an indication of any funding for these programs. “Wherever there is an opportunity for sports to grow, everybody needs to come forward and work together.”
Added John: “For a long time individual efforts are being made to develop the sport in schools and communities, but we are unable to see enough support. We are all aware of the challenges and barriers… it would be great if all organizations and associations get united and focus on decisive strategic action plans for the future development of community cricket.”
Prominent among those who attended the conference were Kathleen Wynne; John Tory, former Ontario PC Party leader and radio host; George Smitherman, former Ontario cabinet minister; Lisa Grogan-Green of Valley Park Go Green Cricket Field Project; Dr Bruce Kidd and Dr Paul Banahene Adjei of U of T; and a number of officials from cricket associations and leagues.
It was decided at the end that soon a steering committee will be formed that will attempt to bring together members of the public, community representatives, sports enthusiasts and other cricket stakeholders under one roof to consider new ways of improving the sport in the communities, mainly in Ontario as well as in other parts of Canada where needed.
Workshops on topics like “Funding and marketing for Go Green Cricket Field Project”, “Training and development of cricket”, “Building relationships and bringing communities together”, and “Cricket injury prevention” were also held.
John also sends his best wishes to the Canadian national team for its success in the 2012 ICC Twenty20 World Cup qualifier, which begins in Dubai March 13.