Greg Chappell, Graeme Hick and the Australian U19 team visit Seenigama

Former Australian cricketing great Greg Chappell, a pre-eminent batsman of his time who captained the Australian team between 1975 - 1977 and 1979 -1984 and held the title for the most catches in test cricket at the time of his retirement, visited the Foundation of Goodness in February 2014 along with the Australian Under 19 National Cricket team which he manages. Also joining him and the team was former English cricketer Graeme Hick who coached the team.

During their visit Chappell, Hick and the U19 team toured the MCC Centre of Excellence, observing the various classes that were in progress while taking in the depth and variety of programmes carried out by FoG.

An essential stop during their visit was at the FoG Sports Academy to meet the talented young cricketers being trained there. Although they may not be from prestigious back grounds these kids have had the good fortune of receiving advice from the great Sri Lankan cricketers such as Muthiah Muralidaran, Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardena who serve on the trustee board of FoG.

Now, they received the honour of attending a training programme conducted by Greg Chappell, Graeme Hick and the Australian U 19 team. In attendance were young sportsmen who had been specially selected for scholarship programmes by the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) and West Indian batsman Kieran Powell through his programme ‘Kieran Powell Star Search’ as exceptionally talented youngsters with a lot to offer the future of Sri Lankan cricket.

Chappell and the team were so moved by what they experienced that at the end of their visit they made donations towards FoG’s various humanitarian endeavours. These proceeds were used to provide 12 Essential School Supplies Packs to young school children in Ja-Ela (western province), with economic difficulties which presented a serious threat to the completion of their education.

It was also used to purchase a water motor to pump water for agricultural work, and presented to Kopi from, a rehabilitated and reintegrated beneficiary from Sri Lanka’s post-war North, as recommended by the Sri Lanka Army.

The Foundation is deeply appreciative of the individuals and cricket teams who visit us, and join hands to help create a better future for countless rural villagers who possess great talent, but come across very few opportunities to improve their lives.

It is not the size of a man but the size of his heart that matters. - Evander Holyfield

22nd April 2014