Monday 30th January 2012

Morton cricketer takes game and AIDS awareness message to Africa

Morton Colliery cricketer, Jonathan Todd, has been selected to take part in the forthcoming Cricket Without Boundaries project in Botswana. The 21-year-old is one of 8 cricket coaches from across the UK selected to join the two week expedition in which volunteers will use the promotion of cricket as a tool to raise HIV/AIDS awareness in the African country.

Jonathan Todd said,

“After my two trips to Rwanda last year i can’t wait to travel to another African country to spread the message behind Cricket Without Boundaries.”

“Cricket Without Boundaries is a great charity and I am absolutely delighted to have been selected to go out to Botswana with their team. This promises to be the trip of a lifetime but there’s a serious side as well.”

“CWB use cricket to teach local youngsters the importance of protecting themselves against HIV and AIDS. We use cricket metaphors to address the AIDS awareness message – such as using a bat to protect the stumps or not playing risky shots.”

“Sport is such a powerful tool to get a message across and in Sub-Saharan Africa nothing is more important than this in helping the fight against HIV/AIDS.”

He added,

“My team mates at the cricket club have given me fantastic support for this trip – after last season maybe they’re hoping I’ll be the one being coached.”

To sponsor Jonathan on his Cricket Without Boundaries project to Botswana you can donate at justgiving.com/botswana2012 or text BOTS90 to 70070

(pictures to follow)