Shyam Bhatia Cricket For Care Provides Support For Children In Japan

Shyam Bhatia Cricket For Care Provides Support For Children In Japan

250 sets of plastic cricket equipment were delivered

©Japan Cricket Association

On Monday November 21st, a large truck pulled up at the office of the Japan Cricket Association. The truck delivered 250 sets of plastic cricket equipment donated by Mr Shyam Bhatia of Shyam Bhatia Cricket for Care.

Following the devastating earthquake and tsunami on March 11th 2011, the Japan Cricket Association set up "Cricket for Smiles" in aid of the victims.

Mr. Bhitia was one of the first to show support. “Children are the future of the nation and cricket teaches them, sportsman spirit, team work, disciple, and leadership that build their character," Mr Bhatia said.

The earthquake and tsunami which hit the east coast of Japan caused one of the worst natural disasters in history. Cities along the coast line of about 500km have been completely destroyed. Hundreds of thousands of people lost their homes, family, schools and towns. Eight months later and still close to one hundred thousand people have not been able to return home.

Rebuilding their homes, families and towns will take years. "Cricket for Smiles" will provide people an opportunity to have fun and smile in such challenging times.

Naoki Alex Miyaji, CEO of the Japan Cricket Association said, "On behalf of the people of Japan and the victims of the earthquake and tsunami in particular, I would like to thank Mr Bhatia for his generous support. Many people are still living in extremely hard conditions and we believe cricket can provide smiles, hope, and courage to those people.

"We need as much support as possible."

To support the programme, please visit our web site at http://www.cricket.or.jp/cricketforsmiles/?lang=en