A group of children from Pelican Park got the opportunity of a lifetime when they escorted the national Proteas cricket team as well as the Sri Lanka cricket team during a match at Newlands on Wednesday January 25.
Even though the Proteas lost by five wickets in the second of the international T20 games against Sri Lanka, it did not damper the spirits of the 10 mini cricketers who got to be “ball boys”.
The children are part of the mini-cricket club of NPO Knight of Horizon, which is located in New Horizons in Pelican Park.
The NPO was started in September last year by a group of men in the area who aim to bring about positive change through sports.
The mini-cricket club play in the Saturday club league at venues all over Cape Town and currently have 32 players with two boys’ teams and one girls’ team.
One of the founders of the Knights of New Horizon, Fabian Youde said they are hoping to start an under 12 and 15 hard ball team in the new cricket season.
“There’s a lot of talent in Pelican Park but there aren’t very many constructive activities the children can get involved in, that is one of main reasons why we started the NPO, to positively impact and transform the lives of vulnerable young people to empower them to become change agents in their own lives, homes and communities,” said Mr Youde.
Shane Whyte, whose daughter is part of the mini-cricket team, is an executive member of the NPO and believes sport plays an important role in disadvantaged communities. “Sport gives the children opportunities to get out of their situations. It keeps them busy and away from the wrong crowd and wrong activities and as a bonus it keeps them healthy. This is what is needed in Pelican Park,” said Mr Whyte.
Mr Youde invited parents from Pelican Park to enrol their children with the club.
The NPO is also appealing to the community for cricket gear and other donations that could help them grow. “We can make a positive change through sport in the community of Pelican Park and enrich many children’s lives,” said Mr Youde.
Contact him on 073 490 6763 or Lester on 063 089 2451 or email
knightsofhorizon2016@gmail.
com
