The community-based initiative for street cricket in Koringberg has garnered significant attention and support. The programme, now in its second year, coaches children aged 8 to 13. Managed and run by local non-profit company Ek n Jy, it aims to provide opportunities for children to engage in physical activity, develop social connections and enhance their problem solving skills.
Ek n Jy’s Street Cricket programme is a much-anticipated event for local children. Not only does it provide them with a fun and engaging activity, but it also fosters a sense of camaraderie and community among the participants.
“The importance of community-based initiatives such as street cricket goes beyond just having a good time”, said Cecilia Mackay, director of the non-profit. “The programme allows children to develop valuable life skills, such as teamwork, communication, and sportsmanship.”
With the help of sponsors Paddington Station PR, Paradigm Connect and a private donation by a Koringberg homeowner and businesswoman, the children of Koringberg are once again enjoying eight weeks of street-cricket fun, twice a week with the final scheduled for Saturday 2 December 2023. The entire programme is coordinated by Freek van Rooi, with six coaches from the community each taking 12 children playing six per side. In total, the programme will host 80 kids, six coaches, one programme coordinator and tons of volunteers, making this slightly bigger than the annual Touch Rugby and Netball programs that Ek n Jy already organises.
The model of the community-based Street Cricket programme in Koringberg aligns with the concept of building capacity for self-determined growth, giving every child the opportunity to thrive and succeed.
“It’s only with support from our sponsors and our community that this programme is possible and we’d like to thank everyone involved in advance” said Freek van Rooi. “I am super-excited to coordinate the programme for the second year, and I believe it’s going to be a huge success.
Ek in Jy is already planning 2024 and will host sports such as chess, touch rugby, netball and street cricket again. “We’re calling on all Swartland-owned companies as well as SA corporates to support our initiatives,” Mackay said, “so we can expand our programme offers to more children every year.”
The Ek n Jy Team can be reached via www.eknjy.co.za or on 083 226 6099.
