Windies join effort to ‘Bowl Out Polio’
KOLKATA, India (CMC) — West Indies on Sunday joined with officials from UNICEF and the World Health Organisation (WHO) to participate in the ongoing polio eradication drive here called ‘Bowl Out Polio’.
The event, organised by UNICEF, was staged at the historic Eden Gardens ground, the venue for the second Test between West Indies and India which bowled off yesterday.
Children from around Kolkata and neighbouring regions had polio vaccines administered by the players and team officials, with Windies captain Darren Sammy, rookie opener Adrian Barath and team manager Richie Richardson helping with the immunisation process.
“The West Indies team is pleased to play a part in this programme and we are happy to assist in any way we can,” said Richardson, a former West Indies captain.
“We are ambassadors for the game and being here is one way of showing our support as India seeks to Bowl Out Polio.”
The 21-year-old Barath, who has played seven Tests to date, said it was important the team was involved in such ventures.
“We see it as part of our duty as an international sporting team to support causes such as this which help to save lives and improve the quality of life. I am happy to play my part,” the Trinidadian said.
The ‘Bowl Out Polio’ campaign in India was launched in 2003 by Rotary International, UNICEF and WHO, along with support from the Government of India.
The campaign supports existing government efforts to protect children through special drives known as the National Immunisation Days.