The England Women’s Cricket Team joined young girls from 12 districts on Sunday (12) for an outreach event at the Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC) in Colombo.
According to the British High Commission, the England Women’s team spent time with the girls while they were in Sri Lanka for their fixtures in the Women’s Cricket World Cup, currently being held in India and Sri Lanka.
The programme organised by Child Action Lanka and the British High Commission showcased the transformative power of sport to empower girls and strengthen communities whilst highlighting the enduring ties between the UK and Sri Lanka.
During the programme, England players spent time with girls from Child Action Lanka’s island-wide network through net sessions and mini-games, sharing skills, stories and encouragement. The event underscored the UK’s commitment to diversity and inclusion in sport whilst showcasing Child Action Lanka’s vital work creating opportunities for vulnerable children across Sri Lanka.
Danni Wyatt-Hodge, from the England Women’s Team, said: “We’re delighted to be in Sri Lanka not just to compete, but to connect with young people who share our passion for cricket”. “Sport has the power to give every girl the confidence to dream big, and we hope today shows that those dreams are absolutely within reach.”
Debbie Edirisinghe, Founder and Director of Child Action Lanka, said: “We are thrilled to welcome the England Women’s Cricket Team to meet our girls. Sport is such a powerful tool for building confidence and life skills in vulnerable young people. This event demonstrates how cricket can bring communities together and inspire our girls to believe in their potential, both on and off the field.”
Child Action Lanka supports disadvantaged children across Sri Lanka through holistic education, health and nutrition programmes, and child protection services. Sport forms a crucial part of their work, with the participating girls already engaged in cricket activities organised by the charity.
The programme supports the launch of Child Action Lanka’s ‘She Plays’ project, which will enable young girls from rural Sri Lanka to pursue their athletic dreams through access to training and support, empowering them to grow in confidence, skill and ambition.
The outreach event reinforces the UK and Sri Lanka’s shared commitment to promoting women’s sport and ensuring every girl has the opportunity to participate and succeed, regardless of background or circumstances. (Newswire)
