News

DUBLIN – The Cricket Connects Summer Camps in August this year have been recognised through a shortlisting in this year’s Olympic Sports Awards, and the public vote is now open – and Cricket Ireland is calling on you to support them in the “Community Impact Award” category.

More than 150 young people from across Belfast, the North West, and Donegal came together at the Cricket Connects Camp, hosted by Cricket Ireland at the Civil Service Cricket Club, Stormont on 19 August 2025.

The one-day event saw participants from a wide range of sporting backgrounds — including GAA, hockey, and rugby — take part in fun, inclusive activities designed to promote physical activity, teamwork, and community connection. For many, it was their first time trying cricket, alongside opportunities to experience other sports such as hockey and GAA.

The Camp was attended by Junior Ministers Aisling Reilly and Pam Cameron, who met participants, coaches, and organisers, and enjoyed the vibrant atmosphere of the day.

• Read about the background to why the event was developed
• Read about the event itself

The Cricket Connects Camp forms part of Cricket Ireland’s ongoing commitment to growing grassroots participation and working in partnership with other sporting bodies to break down barriers and create shared opportunities for young people to engage with physical activity.

According to the event organiser, the Olympic Sports Awards’ Community Impact Award is: “…awarded to an individual or a community initiative initiated or driven by an individual or party within the Team Ireland circle, including clubs and sports, that has left an undeniable legacy on a local community and/or further afield. This award honours those who have contributed to the development of sports, culture, and community engagement in line with the Olympic spirit and through their actions and their association with Olympic sport have inspired future generations and made a real difference to those in their local area, using their unique capabilities to give back.”

• Vote here.

Brian MacNeice, Chair of Cricket Ireland, said:

“We’re delighted with the recognition for such a successful event, but more so, we were delighted with the response to the event from the kids, fellow sports bodies, local politicians and the wider community.

“What is clear to us is that cricket is a sport that can drive community cohesion and give kids an opportunity to enjoy sport and recreation in a team atmosphere. I was taken aback on the day how well kids from varied backgrounds so quickly integrated and enjoyed both the activities and getting to know each other.

“I don’t think there is a more appropriate category as ‘Community Impact Award’ to describe the event. We’d love your vote today – such a vote is not just to recognise the occasion, but is a clear indication that sport is a powerful glue that can bind us all together.”