As part of its ongoing support for grassroots cricket around the world DP World brought its Beyond Boundaries initiative to Namibia yesterday.
The company delivered kits for young cricketers and a unique repurposed shipping container to act as a pavilion.
This takes the total number of kits delivered to 2 500, fulfilling a pledge the company made during the 2023 International Cricket Council (ICC) Men’s Cricket World Cup.
The container arrived at its new home at Kuisebmond Stadium Complex at Walvis Bay after being transported nearly 2 000km far from Johannesburg in South Africa through DP World’s end-to-end smart logistics capabilities.
It will act as a pavilion and kit store, but also a source of inspiration, decorated by local artist Jero, with nods to Swakopmund Lighthouse, Etosha National Park and the street cricket matches where the dreams of many of Namibia’s star players began.
The kits and container will benefit Cricket Namibia and mark the initiative’s continued support for the grassroots game in the wider sub-Saharan Africa region.
Despite being a desert nation of only 2,6 million people, cricket is on the rise in Namibia, with the men’s team making its third consecutive appearance at this year’s ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.
With the delivery of the 2 500th kit DP World has fulfilled the initial kits-for-runs pledge made at the 2023 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup, with 10 kits delievered for every 100 runs scored in each match.
A total of 10 containers have now been launched across nine strategic locations – including India, South Africa, Barbados, the United States, the United Arab Emirates and now Namibia – to improve access and strengthen local communities’ ties to cricket.
DP World has pledged to provide 50 containers to grassroots cricket before the end of 2028.
Cricket Namibia chief executive Johan Muller says: “At the elite level, Namibia’s cricketing progress in the men’s and women’s game has been really pleasing over recent years. However, the sustained success of any nation is built upon the foundations of its grassroots programmes.
“The support of DP World through its Beyond Boundaries initiative is vital in establishing the infrastructure required and providing quality equipment for talented youngsters to thrive.
“DP World’s commitment to growing the game of cricket worldwide is evident, and Cricket Namibia is extremely fortunate and grateful to be part of the unveiling of the initiative’s 10th container.”
Mohammed Akoojee, the chief executive and managing director for sub-Saharan Africa at DP World, says: “We are proud to unveil the latest Beyond Boundaries container – the second in sub-Saharan Africa – to support the promising growth of grassroots cricket in Namibia.
“This continues our commitment to leaving a lasting impact on the communities in which we operate by using our unrivalled supply chain capabilities to benefit our region and the world.”
Namibian pace bowler Ben Shikongo, who was at the unveiling event at Walvis Bay, says: “Growing up, equipment and facilities were limited.
“A passion for cricket and the support of friends, family and Cricket Namibia have made it possible for me to continue to develop as a cricketer and reach the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup this year.
“I am so happy to see DP World bring additional support and opportunity for the next generation, and I hope this will ensure that Namibia features at many more World Cups in the future,” he says.
Namibian female player Wilka Mwatile says the initiative will have a positive effect on further developing the women’s game.
“It is fantastic to see a global business use its scale to help communities around the world. I am excited to see more young girls receive the opportunity to play this game and chase their dreams through access to the kits DP World have provided.”
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