Essex Cricket were honoured to receive special recognition at this year’s BEDSA ceremony (British Ethnic Diversity Sports Awards). The awards are aimed to recognise and celebrate the contributions made by black and minority ethnic communities and help drive change in the sport sector where more role models from more communities in more sports are a priority to increase participation.
The ECB Recognition Award was presented by Lenny Henry on the night to the Essex Cricket’s East London Development Officer, Arfan Akram. The work carried out by the Essex Cricket in the Community team has continued to influence the growth of cricket across many cultures, religions social groups, with development in East London being a key focus in recents years.
Cricket is being played every day of the week in areas such as Leyton, Ilford, Newham and Redbridge and partnerships have now been formed with the local boroughs, continuing the growth of cricket and helping with key areas like anti-social behaviour, crime, personal development and community cohesion.
Head of Cricket Operations, Dan Feist said, “Everyone at Essex Cricket are delighted to have been honoured in this way. This is a award recognises the hardwork, effort and talent that is currently working across the region, and specifically in East London.
“East London is a hot bed of cricket talent and our aim is excite, engage and enhance the love of the sport in communities who play week in, week out.
“We would like to thank everyone who has contributed and helped to deliver to the amazing work being carried out and long may it continue to develop and grow in the years to come.”
