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Consulate General of Pakistan Los Angeles Launches Friendship through Cricket Drive
On the occasion of the National Day of Pakistan 2014, "Friendship through Cricket" drive was launched by the Consulate General of Pakistan, Los Angeles. The purpose of the campaign is to foster friendly relations amongst Pakistani-Americans and other communities, provide opportunities to Pakistani Diaspora, show-case their excellence in cricket and increase their visibility in sports. In this regard, the Pakistani community of Northern California in collaboration with the Consulate General of Pakistan , City of Elk Grove and Elk Grove Cricket Club organized a cricket tournament. Mr Gary Davis, Mayor of the city of Elk Grove along with the Board members of Unified School District and other officials inaugurated the two-day tournament. Assuring that the city would provide facilities to popularize cricket in high schools, the Mayor asked the unified school district officials to chalk out a plan with the organizers of the tournament to hold cricket training camps in schools. Speaking on the occasion as the Chief Guest, the Acting Consul General Dr Muhammad Khalid Ejaz lauded efforts of the Pakistani community in the promotion of cricket and in bringing diverse communities together. He stated that cricket is part of modern culture, which we would like to share with our American friends. He assured that the Consulate General would continue to join hands with community organizations to project the vibrant culture and proud traditions of Pakistan more effectively in the USA. The Acting Consul General also distributed shields and mementos amongst the team members, sponsors and government officials. The chairman of the organizing committee of the tournament, Mr Kamran Malik, thanked the Consulate General of Pakistan in providing vision and support for the "Friendship through Cricket Project". He hoped that an MOU would soon be signed with the City of Elk Grove to make the tournament an annual feature of the Pakistan Day festival. Twelve teams participated in the tournament from all over California. The first, second and third teams were awarded cash prizes of three, two and one thousand dollars each respectively. Around fifteen hundred spectators watched the tournament and appreciated the efforts of the organizers for arranging such a wonderful event. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
