Aussies first in Corfu cricket tournament

The Ionian Islands Government and the Hellenic Cricket Federation played hosts for the second annual international youth cricket T20 tournament "George Bizos" played on the beautiful Greek Island of Corfu from the 2 - 7 April. For the second year running, Australian representative teams from Ferntree Gully and District Cricket Association and Yarra Valley Cricket Association participated. Others participating teams came from South Africa, England, Greece, Italy, Bulgaria and India. The teams share in the culture and the natural beauty of Corfu, live their passion for cricket, and celebrate cultural diversity and understanding.
The tournament was named in honour of Mr George Bizos, a world respected human Rights Lawyer, particularly for his work in representing those discriminated against during the Apartheid struggle in South Africa, including Mr Nelson Mandela. Mr Bizos was able to attend the tournament and his address at the official dinner was a highlight.
In this years tournament the "Spirit of Cricket" program was implemented in partnership with Four Diegos Media. This initiative is a values based program designed to build leadership, cultural understanding and a global community. It's designed to add an additional cultural and character building element to the playing component of the tournament. It consists of a range of activities that promote cultural sharing, values education, interaction, peer learning, self reflection, friendship and understanding. Participants used many forms of social media to tell their (personal and team) story of their tour of Corfu to the world. The players are encouraged to model Spirit of Cricket values on and off the pitch.
This T20 tournament is fast becoming world renowned with ICC representative Nick Pink paying his first visit to Corfu in his capacity as ICC European manager. Young players were given a unique opportunity to represent their homeland and lead the way demonstrating the values of respect, fair play, diversity and acceptance.
Tour sponsor of the tour, David Cruse (Knox Tavern) sees how the benefits of a holistic program that focuses on developing better citizens through sport can flow back to communities when teams return home.
The two Australian teams emerged as tournament victors by finishing first and second. Ferntree Gully coached by Christian Trotter and managed by Adrian Brown was clearly the best team without losing a match.
Final Placing's were:
1. Ferntree Gully & District CA (Aust), 2. Yarra Valley CA (Aust), 3. Harrow HS (UK), 4. SAHETI School (South Africa), 5. St Benedict's School (UK), 6. Johannesburg CC (South Africa), 7.Hellas (Greece), 8. MES Indian School (India), 9. School Club Athens (Greece), 10. Piazza Vittorio CC (Italy), 11. Ancona CC (Italy), 12. Mechanics and Electrical Engineering School (Bulgaria).
For more information about the Spirit of Cricket Tour of Corfu initiative please contact Nick Hatzoglou, President Australian Hellenic Cricket Federation via email nickhatz@bigpond.net.au or 0425 733 105.