Sport is a great equaliser and has an important role to play in the
on-going democratisation of our wonderful country. Cricket, and in particular the
development programme, has played an important role in this process, providing an
opportunity for tens of thousands of boys and girls throughout the country -
privileged and underprivileged alike - to participate in this wonderful game. The
United Cricket Board's development programme is, indeed, a shining light and an
example of what can be achieved with initiative, commitment and a sense of
purpose.
Not only have considerable financial resources been invested in new
facilities, but a vast amount of time and effort has been expended in making the
programme the success that it has become. The men and women involved are to be
highly commended.
It is, further, most commendable that the United Cricket Board
has not restricted the development of new facilities to cricket and has included a
number of multi-sports facilities in their programme, proving that they have a
genuine empathy for all the young sportsmen and sportswomen of our
country.
Already, a number of bright new stars are emerging from the various
development programmes throughout the country, but we should never forget that,
ultimately, the aim is not merely to produce great cricketers in order to bolster
our national squads, but rather to bring the enjoyment of the game to everyone who
wishes to play it.
I wish to congratulate the United Cricket Board for the
successes achieved by the programme thus far, and wish them every success with
their on-going efforts to bring the marvellous game of cricket to an ever growing
number of people.
Mr Steve Tshwete
Minister of Sport and Recreation
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