NCF, CSED initiative take cricket to Adagom refugee camp

[FILES] Cricket. Photo:Getty Image

As part of events marking the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace (IDSDP), at the weekend, the Nigeria Cricket Federation (NCF) and CSED Initiative held a three-day introduction to cricket training for 80 Cameroonian refugees at the Adagom 1 playground in Ogoja Council, Cross River State. 

Ten volunteer trainee cricket coaches were also introduced to the game for the first time by a team supervised by Bibiana Ngwenifun (Leader of Adagom 1 Camp), who ensured that ladies were equally represented at this training event.

The new cricket players and trainee coaches were taught the basics of cricket by the NCF Development Officer, Blessing Etim and Patrick Edididong.
At the end of the event, cricket starter packs for training and match purposes, donated by Lord’s Taverners and the NCF, were distributed to the sports committee leaders of Adagom 1 and Adagom 3 camps.

The organisers said they would hold a separate programme for the Ukende camp within the next six weeks. Speaking on the programme, chairman of Cross River State Cricket Association, Dr. Macfarlane Ejah, said that the association would build on the success of the event to develop grassroots cricket in Ogoja and the northern axis of the state. 

He said the NCF leadership would draw on its experience of using cricket to support IDPs in Uhogua camp in Edo State to support the new cricketers by giving them psycho-social support, empowering them to learn soft skills like computing/coding, as well as promoting tolerance and respect for each other.

“More importantly, living in peace and harmony with the other residents of Ogoja community, is also a priority,” he said.
Also speaking on the project, CSED Initiative trusteessaid