Cricket Match Promotes Youth Sports, Peace

KUNAR PROVINCE – The 2 local teams’ efforts brought cheers and applause for a game that reminded locals of their national team’s recent overall victory in the 12-Nation Asian Cricket Council Twenty Cup in the United Arab Emirates, Nov. 30. “We showed other countries in the Asian cricket games what we can do, and that we're not weaker than other countries,” said Fazlullah Wahidi, Kunar provincial gov., to the crowd after the match.

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The gov. explained to the people the importance of sports and education, and how they'll change the future of the country. The gov. also thanked the Kunar PRT for working to arrange the match. “I talked to the PRT cmdr about a month ago about making a tournament, and am thankful the PRT was able to arrange the match,” Wahidi said. Navy Cmdr. Leonard Remias, Kunar PRT cmdr, said the purpose of the match was to continue to engage different segments of the population through community outreach. “When we did the youth education bowl a couple of weeks ago that had 4 area high schools compete, the Afghans had so much fun. So, we thought why don’t we do that with a sports program and give them an opportunity to have more fun,” Remias said. “The PRT provided the resources for the match and is working with the gov. to establish a provincial tournament, where the winner will compete against the winning teams from other eastern provs.” Remias told the crowd that everyone who played or watched was a winner this day, and that everyone should encourage youths to play sports and do well in school. “It was good to show the youths of tomorrow that there're other things to do than fight. Youth sports and education program can bring communities together,” Remias said. “Governor Wahidi and the elders support you; the PRT support you, and we look forward to working with the people of Kunar in the months and years to come, for peace and prosperity.”

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