Passionate Cricketers in Dubai and Abu Dhabi Given a Platform to
Showcase Talents
The 2013 Sprite Cricket Stars program
in Abu Dhabi and Dubai was officially launched today by representatives from
Coca-Cola Middle East, the Ministry of Labour and the world’s fastest cricket
bowler Shoaib Akhtar.
The Sprite
Cricket Stars Program, which was first launched in 2011, aims to provide the
Asian community in the UAE with an opportunity to showcase their talent and
passion for a sport which is at the very heart of the community.
In 2011, the
mission was to find the best cricketers in labor accommodation across the two
Emirates. Such was the success of this tournament that the decision was taken
to open the program up to the masses, with the entire Asian population invited
to compete alongside the labourers for the 2013 tournament, which starts at the
end of May.
Under the
patronage of the Ministry of Labour, and in partnership with Coca-Cola Middle
East, the program was launched
ahead of International Labour Day (1st May 2013) to highlight the
Ministry of Labour’s commitment to engaging with workers
and the Asian community in the UAE.
The Program sees
teams compete for the right to be crowned Sprite Cricket Stars Champions for
the UAE, and also offers the chance for the entire community to be part of a
finale event at what is anticipated to be a packed-out Dubai Cricket Stadium on
Friday 20th September – an event that will also be attended by
Shoaib Akhtar.
The 2011
tournament was won by the Al Jabber Blazers team, cheered on by almost 6,000
spectators at the Dubai Cricket Stadium. The players of the winning team were
also rewarded with an all-expenses paid trip back to their home countries.
Qasim Mohammed Jamil, Director of the Labor Offices, Director
of Guidance in the Ministry of Labor, comments: “We are delighted to once again partner with Coca-Cola Middle East for the
2013 Sprite Cricket Stars tournament in the UAE. This initiative represents a
fantastic opportunity for the country’s labourers to showcase their passion and
talent for a game that is extremely close to their hearts, and to play in front
of large crowds on a professional stage. We look forward to seeing some of the
best teams battle it out for the honour of being crowned 2013 Champions!”
Speaking
about the program, Antoine Tayyar, Director of Public Affairs and
Communications, Coca-Cola Middle East, said: “The Sprite Cricket Stars Program
is something we are very proud to be involved with as it reflects our aim to
promote a healthy, active lifestyle. It also aligns with everything the Sprite
brand stands for with regards to passion for sport, self-expression, and having
that inner spark. The program is going from strength to strength, and this year
we are increasing our reach within the community and the number of teams
participating – something which we expect to continue over the coming years.”
From his
side, Shoaib Akhtar said: “With cricket being such a passion for the labor
population, this fantastic program is the perfect way to reward them by
providing an ideal platform on which to showcase their talents in a true
community spirit. We fully anticipate this year’s event to prove every bit as
successful as when the program was launched.”
The winning Sprite
Cricket Stars team will receive AED 50,000 in prize money, with the runners-up
receiving AED 25,000.
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