Students from North Albion C.I. and Smithfield Middle School triumph at Double Wicket Student Challenge
Students from eight North Etobicoke schools played a fast and entertaining round robin at the Double Wicket Student Challenge sponsored by Scotiabank and Black Diamond and hosted by the City of Toronto and Humber College.
Teams from Kipling, Thistletown (TCI), North Albion (NACI), West Humber and Weston CI played a variation of Double Wicket (four-Overs) cricket matches leading to a final match between TCI and NACI in which NACI triumphed 12 to 10, winning by two runs at the end of the day.
Students from Dixon Grove and North Kipling Junior Middle Schools and Smithfield Middle School played a preliminary round and a semi-final round, before the teams from Smithfield (Team 2) and North Kipling competed in the final round where Smithfield (Team 2) reigned victorious 20 to 19, winning by one run.
A donation will be made in the names of NACI and Smithfield (Team 2) to help build the Thackeray Park Cricket Ground.
The Double Wicket Student Challenge was organized to provide students from North Etobicoke with the opportunity to play cricket at a premier venue, and compete for the opportunity to make a donation in the name of their school to the Thackeray Park Cricket Ground, which is planned for Kipling and Steeles.
“Parmalat Canada and its employees are proud to support and contribute to our communities. With our head office in Etobicoke, we were thrilled to be able to lend a hand to build the Thackeray Park Cricket Ground,” said Scott Goodman, Vice President, Human Resources at Parmalat Canada, makers of Black Diamond Cheese.
“The enthusiasm of these students reaffirms my belief that building a cricket ground in Thackeray Park is the right thing to do. It will provide a permanent venue for everyone who played here today and for up and coming cricket players. Equally important, it will give members of the community a place to connect over their common passion for cricket,” said Councillor Suzan Hall (Ward 1 Etobicoke North).
About a third of the Thackeray Park community considers cricket to be part of their cultural heritage. Cricket is one of the fastest growing sports in the City of Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area.
“Scotiabank is committed to supporting the communities in which we live and work, both in Canada and abroad,” said Rania Llewellyn, Vice President, Multicultural Banking, Scotiabank. “We look forward to continuing our support of cricket in communities and schools across Canada. Internationally, Scotiabank has been the Official Bank of the West Indies Cricket Board for more than 10 years, and is the exclusive sponsor of Scotiabank Kiddy Cricket in the West Indies.”
The new Thackeray Park Cricket Ground will be dedicated for playing cricket, with priority access for children and youth, and will feature ICC regulation in-field and turf pitches, as well as on-site parking and seating for 300. Developed in consultation with community leaders and other stakeholders, the Thackeray Park Cricket Ground will transform an existing clean landfill site into a green and vibrant community space.
“Humber is deeply committed to supporting local organizations and initiatives. We’re proud to host today’s event in celebration of our community’s diversity, culture and achievement. We congratulate these students on their efforts to bring a cricket ground to the Etobicoke community and hope the new ground is a strong base for local events and activities,” said John Davies, President, Humber College.