Six nations recognised in ICC Europe awards

Scotland have been recognised by the ICC for their work in promoting the game north of the border by being awarded “Best Overall Development” for 2012. It was one of a number of awards handed out to associate and affiliate nations in Europe to recognise exceptional performance and service to the game.

Scotland were rewarded for their programme of activities which included delivering community and curriculum-based coaching sessions, corporate cricket evenings, an expanded junior cup structure and a “volunteer of the month” initiative. They also took advantage of Olympic fever to join the Cricket Factory in getting 450 participants involved during a “Festival Square Takeover”.

Netherlands received an award for their junior participation drive, involving 34 schools, 65 teachers and over 1,000 young people aged 14-15. They were also rewarded for their efforts in European Women’s Cricket week in conjunction with Kampong CC.

France received the marketing award for their promotion of MCC v France, which led to a major new cricket programme in universities and Mike Kwan from the German Cricket Board earned the “Volunteer of the Year” award after eight years developing cricket in Munich.

Full list of awards Best Overall Cricket Development Programme Cricket Scotland Best Junior Participation Initiative The European Platform for Bilingual Schools Cricket Curriculum and Tournament- The Cricket Challenge – Netherlands Best Women's Cricket Initiative European Women’s cricket week – Netherlands Best Cricket Promotional and Marketing Programme MCC v France Olympic Match - France Cricket Photo of the Year David Harris & Charlton Book - Israel Cricket Association Lifetime Service Award David Rhodes - France Cricket Volunteer of the year Mike Kwan – German Cricket Board Best Spirit of Cricket Initiative Gary Wilson and William Porterfield- Irish cricket’s big bike ride- Cricket Ireland