Girls’ Aspire Sports Initiative, in partnership with the Nigeria Cricket Federation (NCF) on Friday introduced the game of cricket to students of Javino Model School, Gauraka in Niger.
The school authorities welcomed the team of federation and NGO officials and gave more than 50 of their students, from the JSS1 to SS1 classes the opportunity to learn the game.
The partnership between the NGO and NCF was to educate the female students only on the basics of game.
But the NGO and the sport’s federation had to include both male and female students following the enthusiasm they showed for the game.
A representative of the NGO, Ijeoma Okigbo, said the NGO has the objective of mentoring and empowering girls through sports.
“Within this locality, we have noticed that girls have no idea what sports is all about and how it could aid their academic pursuit.
“We want girls to know that sports are meant for them as well and could be the fastest means towards achieving their dreams.
“This is why we have partnered with NCF to have girls play the game, follow and watch the game.
“If we are able to create a fan base through these kids, then this vicinity and beyond will be a hub for cricket,’’ she said.
Jamal Onwudiwe, representing the NCF, expressed the federation’s willingness to ensure the kids get necessary facilities and support.
Onwudiwe also engaged the kids in a practical session of the game for about two hours.
Expressing delight with his newly-found sport, Paul Azubuike, a male SS1 student, said the training session was more than he had expected.
“It was awesome. I used to watch the game on television but I didn’t understand it. Now, I know difference between a bowler and batsman.
“I love this game, and I am looking forward to our next training session. I am also encouraging my classmates to pick interest in this game just like I have just done,” Azubuike said.
Maryann Umeh, also an SS1 student, commended the effort of the NGO in introducing the sport particularly to the female students.
“We (female students) are so excited about this game. It sounds new to us and it’s a sport we can call our own.
“I am looking forward to playing this game,” Umeh added.
The Principal of the school, Francis Okechukwu, also lauded the efforts of the NGO and the NCF.
“This is the first of its kind in this school. Having an NGO and the NCF to educate our kids sounds great to us.
“We hope we can always have more of this type of partnership for our students,” Okechukwu said.
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The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the school will be featuring in the maiden FCT Secondary Schools Cricket Championships to be organised by the NCF in January.