Dubai: In a unique and remarkable CSR initiative under the sponsorship of ICC Cricket for Good and Team Swachh, players from the 16 participating teams in the World T20 will engage with children and adolescents on sanitation and toilet use, as one essential step towards ending open defecation in India.
As the cricket frenzy of the T20 pinnacle event begins, cricketers from 16 teams will join forces to promote messages on health, sanitation and hygiene as part of the innovative Team Swachh campaign.
During the tournament, cricketers of participating teams will interact with children through a cricket coaching programme and educate in the use of toilets, stressing on the importance of hygiene and sanitation at the specially designed Team Swachh cricket clinics set up at the various stadia.
Reflecting on the launch, ICC Chief Executive David Richardson said, “ICC was committed to working with UNICEF to help improve the health, education, nutrition, and protection of children. Globally, ICC and UNICEF will engage the broader cricketing community to empower children and adolescents.”
Meanwhile, UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador and master blaster Sachin Tendulkar also emphasized the need for team play, “Ending open defecation and achieving sanitation for all in India takes a genuine team effort in which all relevant actors-from the Government to the people practicing open defecation, from role models to international development partners–play together as one team.”
Earlier, ICC had reaffirmed its commitment to the spirit of cricket and bringing about positive social change through the sport by launching Cricket for Good and Team Swachh campaign in partnership with UNICEF and the BCCI. (ANI)