Chance to Shine Street was launched in 2008 to bring cricket to young people in urban areas where there are few green spaces and fewer traditional cricket clubs. The charity is also using the game to promote social cohesion and connect young people from different backgrounds in diverse communities.
Rehaan has been involved in the programme since 2011, starting the first two projects in Manchester and now oversees four youth projects, five young adult projects and an indoor league with more than twenty teams. The judges praised how he has not only developed participants’ cricket skills but also has been a pivotal figure in their personal development.
Rehaan, who won this award previously in 2013, said, “It makes me so proud and makes me want to do more. I’m sure there are more children out there and I’d love to get them involved in the programme. We work in a lot of areas and getting one more child through the door and getting them to enjoy cricket is making a difference.”
Rudra Singh, LCB’s Education Manager and Minority Ethnic Cricket Lead, added: “It’s a fantastic achievement and a well-deserved recognition for Rehaan and I am very pleased for him. Chance to Shine Street programmes have brought cricket playing opportunities to hundreds of young people in inner-city and disadvantaged areas of Manchester and Liverpool over the past number of years. In addition to providing lots of fun and learning opportunities to the young people, the games are used to promote social cohesion and bringing communities together. We are looking to extend the programmes to other parts of Lancashire.”
The awards were hosted by Sky presenter Sarah-Jane Mee supported by Lycamobile, which celebrated all the unsung heroes of the Street programme. Special guests from the cricketing world supported the event, including England cricketer Samit Patel, Surrey batsman Arun Harinath, as well as England legends Mike Gatting and Devon Malcolm.
You can see all the award winners here.
Photo above shows Rehaan Rather with Lucy Verasamy from ITV Weather
Report courtesy of LCB
