Ontario United Cricket Conference Will Highlight Social, Physical and Cultural Benefits of Popular Sport

Experts Will Focus On Social Advantages for Youth That Come From Centuries-Old Pastime

TORONTO, Feb. 3, 2012 /CNW/ - A wide-ranging group of experts on the social and physical benefits of cricket will gather at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education at the University of Toronto (OISE/UT) tomorrow on Saturday, February 4, 2012, beginning at 9 a.m. at 252 Bloor Street West, Toronto, M5S 1V6.

The goal of the Ontario United Cricket Conference is to bring together educators, sports experts, politicians, law enforcement professionals, community leaders and students to share topical information while strengthening traditional and emerging relationships within the cricket community. It is hoped that by bringing these renowned experts together under one roof, a multitude of stakeholders will consider new ways of improving communities by promoting cricket.

Topics will include how organizations and the public can introduce the sport into their communities, how the media can be utilized to advance cricket's popularity, and how the team building nature of cricket can lead to lower crime rates among youth.

"Cricket is becoming ever more popular in Canada and the need for more cricket fields is growing, especially in Toronto.  The Ontario Cricket Conference will bring greater public awareness of this challenging and well-loved sport that is played around the world, " said panellist MPP for Don Valley West Kathleen Wynne.

"The sport of cricket is an invaluable builder of character and physical well-being," says Lisa Grogan-Green - Co-Chair of the Valley Park Go-Green Cricket Field Project and a workshop presenter. "This conference will both explore and advance ways that we can integrate this important and beneficial activity to more Canadians."

The Valley Park Go Green Cricket Field project will bring an environmentally sustainable cricket field to two of Toronto's Priority Neighbourhoods: Thorncliffe Park and Flemingdon Park. It is a partnership between Valley Park Middle School, Flemingdon Neighbourhood Services, Thorncliffe Neighbourhood Office and Toronto and Region Conservation Authority.

For further information on how you can participate/attend the conference, please contact the website listed below www.gogreencricketfield.ca . For media: please contact:

Mazhar Shafiq
Office of Kathleen Wynne
MPP Don Valley West
647-717-5149