On 19 March 2016, the Go Green Cricket and Sports Field held its third Crazy for Cricket Event in honour of the International Cricket Council’s T20 World Cup match between India and Pakistan. The Go Green Cricket and Sports Field is located at the back of Valley Park, a relatively new addition to the school property. Although the event was hosted by the Go Green Cricket Field, Valley Park Middle School played a large role in organizing it as well.
The event was held between 9 am and 3 pm. It saw the attendance of over a hundred community members, along with notable community politicians and leaders. Individuals such as Gerri Gershon, Rob Oliphant, and Kathleen Wynne visited the event and spoke to participants.
The event was meant to be a community gathering, bringing the area together to celebrate a popular neighbourhood sport. Attendees were provided a breakfast that mainly consisted of bagels and drinks, and a lunch of kabobs, rice, and other small dishes. There were also sports and activity booths.
Kathleen Wynne enjoyed the cricket game with the community. Photo courtesy of Zainab Bokhari.
Crazy for Cricket offered badminton, cricket, and soccer games for adults and children of all ages. The event brought community members together in a fun and interactive way. Near the front entrance of the field, volunteers offered face painting for young children, and in the cafeteria, they streamed the actual World Cup match. A petting zoo and balloon station were set up as well in the parking lot of Valley Park Middle School.
“Go Green events are always fantastic because they bring together an array of people from all over the community all coming together to enjoy one thing.” Commented Khalida Elsadati, the volunteer coordinator of the event. “I worked with Go Green on this event because I recognize the importance these events hold to the Thorncliffe and Flemingdon Park community.”
Other volunteers from Marc Garneau include Sangavi Chadran, Kassandra Savramis, Raaba Ahmad, and Maria Yousef. Abeir Liton, the Chief of Operations at Go Green, coordinated most of the event with youth in the community.
