To mark Brit Insurance National Cricket Day, five volunteers went along to a London primary school on Thursday 23rd June to assist with the creation of a “Dream Cricket School”.
Along with a host of cricket-related VIPs, the volunteers, including Dane Douetil, helped teachers to hold cricket-themed lessons across the curriculum. This was one of ten flagship events, held as far afield as Cornwall and County Durham, to showcase Chance to Shine. Brit Insurance volunteers also took part in events in Birmingham, Leeds, and Manchester.
Johanna Primary School near Waterloo played host to England fast bowler Chris Tremlett, who ran a PE class, Minister for Sport and The Olympics Hugh Robertson, who took assembly, and Bank of England Governor and President of Chance to Shine, Sir Mervyn King, who helped to teach a cricket-themed maths lesson for year three pupils. Other assistant teachers included cricket broadcaster and Chance to Shine co-founder Mark Nicholas, ITV weather presenter Lucy Verasamy, former England wicket keeper Jack Russell and the Barmy Army’s Billy “The Trumpet” Cooper.
Dane, who was assisting in the classroom at Johanna Primary as part of our Employee Volunteering Scheme, commented:
“Brit Insurance is proud to support Chance to Shine, helping them reach into classrooms and deliver cricket skills to children from all cultures and backgrounds. It makes sense to use our influence in the sport as the catalyst to make a positive difference in local communities.”
Chris Tremlett, who swapped his professional England duties for teaching youngsters cricket skills, spoke passionately about Chance to Shine:
“It’s a great cause. I was lucky that I had a PE teacher who loved cricket and I could play the game at a state school, but the opportunities to play matches were limited. Getting kids out there and being active is good for them and good for the game too.”
The Chance to Shine programme provides an ideal opportunity for employees to get involved in their local community. Individual and team volunteering opportunities are available through local schools and cricket clubs.
Source : Brit Insurance
