Local cricketer bowled over by top sporting award

Friday 29 April 2016

A local cricketer who's gone all out to get more girls playing the sport in Jersey has scooped a top award along with some of the biggest names in International cricket.

Gemma Dunning has won the International Cricket Council's Women’s Cricket ‘Behind the Scenes’ award.

Gemma set up a company called 'Crick-Fit' while studying for a sports coaching degree at the University of Winchester and with the help of Jersey Cricket launched her big idea on the beach here last summer.

Her Crick-Fit @ The beach encouraged primary school girls to learn how to play cricket and taught them all about the benefits of an active and healthy lifestyle later in life.

The 30-year-old who is the Jersey Women's Cricket Association Captain and Women's Development Office was bowled over to win the award for her efforts.

She said: “I was and still am, completely overwhelmed.  This award comes from the highest echelons of the cricketing world.

“It has also given me confidence and belief that 'Crick-Fit' has the ability to impact and inspire many more.”

Gemma has been playing cricket since she was 12 and is keen to get more girls here into the sport she loves.

She said: "It's a very sociable sport, I have made some wonderful lifelong friends through it. It's also a 'thinking game', being one step ahead of your opponent, and collectively working towards a common goal within a team.

“It has grown significantly over recent years.  The National Women's team was formed in 2011, girls are receiving coaching in schools and a player pathway was formed.

“Sport for women and girls is extremely competitive on the Island so we are aware that we need to do more to attract and recruit new players."

Jersey Cricket Board’s Chief Executive Officer Chris Minty said: “We are delighted that Gemma’s initiative has been recognised by the ICC and have been very pleased to support her endeavours in recent years.”

Gemma said: "I have chosen to concentrate on developing Crick-fit, inspiring young girls to participate in sport, not just cricket, and giving back to a sport which given me a huge amount over the years."

(Picture credit: Sevil Oktem)