ICC launches Development Program Annual Awards

The International Cricket Council recently launched the ICC Development Program Annual Awards for 2005 and the ICC East Asia-Pacific Region invites applications from its 10 Associate and Affiliate Member countries.

This is the fourth year of the awards programme, which forms a key part of the ICC's commitment to promoting excellence in cricket development. An added bonus to the 2005 awards is the introduction of prizes for global winners, courtesy of Kookaburra (equipment vouchers) and Flicx International (Gemini bowling machine).

The awards recognise outstanding performance and service to the game in Associate and Affiliate Member countries. They have attracted widespread global interest since their inception in 2002 with winners drawn from 39 different countries ranging from Argentina to Zambia. Previous global winners from the East Asia-Pacific region include Indonesian Cricket Foundation (Best Overall Development Program - 2003) and Japan Cricket Association (Best Women's Cricket Initiative - 2003).

"We have been delighted with the incredible range of applications we have received since the ICC Development Program Awards were launched in 2002," said Mr Matthew Kennedy, ICC Global Development Manager.

"There are thousands of people around the world who give generously of their time to help spread the sport of cricket and it is always a delight to find out more about these fantastic initiatives though the nomination process."

Nominations must first be submitted on a regional basis at which stage five regional winners will be selected in each category. These regional winners will then progress to be judged by an esteemed global panel.

There are a total of nine awards available across a range of country and individual categories. Full details of the criteria, nomination process and an application form are available on the official ICC East Asia-Pacific website at www.icc-eap-cricket.com.

Nominations close on 31 January 2006 and regional winners will be announced on 27 February 2006. The global winners will be announced on 30 March 2006.

Further details of the prizes for each award as well as the winners of last year's awards can be found on the website at www.icc-eap-cricket.com.

The full list of award categories is as follows:

Best Overall Cricket Development Program
Best Junior Cricket Initiative
Best Women's Cricket Initiative
Best Cricket Promotional Program
Photo of the Year
Best Spirit of Cricket Initiative
UNAIDS Award
Volunteer of the Year
Lifetime Service Award (awarded in exceptional circumstances)

Application forms will be distributed throughout Associate and Affiliate Member countries. For any further details of this year's awards and last year's winners check the above website or contact Russell James at the ICC East Asia-Pacific region.