Standard Chartered joins hands with Sri Lanka Cricket to continue its efforts to raise funds and awareness for the Sri Lankan Visually Handicapped XI and its bid at this year’s World Cup in South Africa in November.
Inspired by Standard Chartered’s community investment platform addressing curable blindness globally, Seeing is Believing, the two organisations will drive three very unique fund raising activities around the current tour of South Africa – a money-can’t-buy experience, a mini coaching camp for young cricket enthusiasts, and an online bidding competition for the “Seeing is Believing Super Fan”. Four visually handicapped aspiring cricketers will also participate in the events, sponsored by Standard Chartered.
Sanjeewani de Silva, Head of Corporate Affairs/Brand & Marketing, Standard Chartered speaking of the Bank’s support of the Sri Lankan Visually Handicapped XI said: “Standard Chartered has already contributed USD 1 million towards the national Vision 2020 Secretariat’s efforts to address avoidable blindness by funding eye screenings, spectacles distributions, cataract surgeries and other similar activities for young and old. But we thought that our Seeing is Believing global initiative which has raised over USD 32 million to date could also focus a light on a very creditable effort by some very determined and talented sportsmen.”
Standard Chartered’s partnership with Sri Lanka Cricket to introduce a community investment perspective to international cricket tours, it is anticipated, will yield some much needed support for our Visually Handicapped XI. The money-can’t-buy experience will provide a meet and greet opportunity for avid fans and the chance to bid for memorabilia at an exclusive event which will be priced at LKR 5000/- a head and attended by members of both the South Africa and Sri Lanka teams. A youngster and accompanying parents may participate in the mini coaching camp by select players and coaches of the two teams for LKR 20000/- and carry away not only never to be forgotten memories but some mementoes too. The third event will afford the successful bidder – the Seeing is Believing Super Fan – a chance to meet the cricketers at the ground at the end of the match and have a ball autographed by the captains, simply by bidding anything from USD 50 and up, online.
Carlton Bernardus, Head of Cricket Operations, Sri Lanka Cricket commented: “This is an additional dimension to international cricket tours and both teams are looking forward to participating in all the planned events. We are very optimistic that there will be genuine interest and participation, not just for the great opportunities the events themselves provide, but also for the chance for us all to support our national visually handicapped team as they strive for this accolade. They recently trounced the touring Australian Visually Handicapped XI in a five match (40 overs) series with a compelling 4-0 series win over the tourists. The team has high hopes for the World Cup in South Africa and we hope to raise funds to make their dream a reality.”
Standard Chartered welcomes all inquiries and those interested may call Sushenka on 0779586919 or Shanil on 0773501545. Registrations for participation at the events may be made via the e mail address – [email protected] and marked to the attention of the Head of Corporate Affairs/Brand and Marketing. The Facebook pages of both Sri Lanka Cricket and Standard Chartered Sri Lanka may be accessed for more information.
