Sri Lankan and English cricketers launch Street to Stadium
Monday, 8 December 2014 00:02
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Standard Chartered joined hands with Sri Lanka Cricket to embark on yet another campaign to raise funds and awareness for the Sri Lankan cricketing talent. The campaign launch coincided with the tour of the England cricket team and both the Sri Lankan and English cricketers generously agreed to participate in fund raising events. This campaign – Street to Stadium – focuses on growing rural cricket and providing opportunities for talent that may not have the chance of discovery, to shine.
Standard Chartered Head of Corporate Affairs/Brand and Marketing Sanjeewani de Silva, speaking of this new initiative together with Sri Lanka Cricket, said: “This effort is a recognition of the potentially-stellar talent out there in the rural areas. We hope with this Street to Stadium campaign that more rural youth have a proper chance of being sighted by talent scouts and invested in to become national cricketers. We have already made a mark on the world stage with this sport and now we must ensure that future generations keep the torch burning.”
Street to Stadium fund raising events included a ‘Walk with Heroes’ – 33 children had the memorable experience of hand holding the international cricketers at the opening ceremony of the ODI on 26 November at the R. Premadasa Stadium, for a contribution fee of Rs. 7,500; the highest online bidders (bidding starts at Rs. 10,000 on the SLC FB page) participated in the presentation ceremonies of the ODIs played in Colombo and had a ball autographed by the captains; and a ‘Power Lunch’ at R. Premadasa reminiscent of a lazy cricketing Sunday complete with marquees and pub style food for high powered corporate executives on 28 November.
The focus on improving conditions for rural cricket is an extension of Standard Chartered’s partnership with Sri Lanka Cricket to introduce a community investment perspective to international cricket tours. It is hoped that a total of Rs. 23 million could be raised via similar activities around future international tours and that Sri Lankans will come together as a nation to foster and showcase underprivileged talent and afford opportunities to rural youth.
