For the second year running Escaped to Peru, a Cusco based tour operator, is helping the development of the sport of cricket in Peru. This year the travel company with offices located near Machu Picchu, the famous “Lost city of the Incas”, has provided over US$ 1000 to assist with the Lima 20 / Twenty tournament and also in the funding of development activities.
Gary Sargent, the Managing Director of Escaped to Peru and Escaped to Latin America, has been involved in cricket in Peru since arriving from England in 1999. “Cricket in Peru has traditionally only been played by ex-pats” he explains. “Very few Peruvians have ever played but that is now changing. The Peruvian Cricket Federation is to trying to promote the sport in some schools where like minded ex-pat teachers work and we are actively encouraging young Peruvians to come down and try it”.
The 2010 season has seen around 30 new faces appear on match and practice days, including girls and teenage Peruvians giving the sport a go. Gary goes on to comment that “the standard of new players is obviously going to be low to start with until they have more practice but the quality of hand-eye coordination is impressive in many of the young people and they will learn the techniques and tactics with time”. The established teams have just finished a 20 / Twenty tournament which is the quick version of the game which produced some memorable batting and catching displays.
There are several weekends of play left at the Lima Cricket and football Club including an under 13 tournament with visiting teams from Brazil and Chile plus a senior tournament. All are welcome to attend so if anyone is interested in more information or want to get involved they can contact Gary via his office.
