Walvis-Bay
Coastal outfit the Welwitschia Cricket Club is to host the 19th edition of the annual Junior Cricket Festival from today to August 21 at Walvis Bay.
The prestigious event sees young cricketers competing over five days in the U/11 and U/13 age groups, representing teams from Windhoek Gymnasium, Walvis Bay High School, Pro-Ed, !Nara Primary School, Windhoek Afrikaanse Privaatskool, Walvis Bay Primary and St George’s.
“My wish is that this year’s festival will be played in good spirit and that it will give all the cricketers and coaches the opportunity to prepare for the upcoming school cricket leagues. We wish all the teams the best of luck and that they enjoy the festival, both on and off the field,” said the head of the organizing committee, John Heynes.
The managing director of Walvis Bay Salt Refiners – principal sponsors of the youth tourney – Andre Snyman, echoed Heynes’ statement.
“This 19th tournament is a very special event and also a unique opportunity for every young cricket player. Many players who participated in this tournament progressed through the ranks and later represented Namibia, even at senior national level.”
The festival has its origin in 1997 under the Welwitschia Schools Academy under the theme ‘the Interschool Cricket Championships makes provision for under 11 and 13’s only’.
The event has become a regular feature on the Namibian school calendar ever since and also won the International Cricket Council (ICC) development award for best junior cricket promotional programme-development initiative in 2003 and 2006.
Eleven members of the Namibian U19 squad that participated in the 2014 ICC U19 Cricket World Cup in Dubai took part in the festival in 2007 and 2008. The festival’s main focus is on cricket development and promotion of the game.