Dubai, UAE (January 8th, 2023) – The Desert Vipers and Bat For A Chance (BFAC) have come together in a multi-year agreement that will see the franchise and its players and staff supply kits and equipment to the UK-based initiative.
These kits will then be distributed by BFAC to schools, clubs, and academies around the world to help them experience the joy of cricket.
BFAC will be a Desert Vipers Sustainability Impact Partner, and the partnership aligns with the franchise’s core identity which is centered around sustainability.
The kit and equipment provision is just a part of an agreement that will also see the Desert Vipers provide match tickets to migrant workers across the United Arab Emirates for season two of the DP World ILT20 that gets underway in January 2024.
And children who take part in the Desert Vipers’ schools outreach programme will be encouraged to provide new or high-quality used clothing and equipment to the initiative.
Desert Vipers Chief Executive Officer Phil Oliver said: “This partnership with Bat For A Chance chimes perfectly with our Sustainability Strategy Framework.
“We have already become Dubai’s first signatory to the United Nations Sports for Climate Action Framework with the aim to reduce our emissions by 50 percent by 2030 and reach net zero by 2040.
“Providing used and unused kit and equipment to Bat For A Chance is one way we can achieve our target as it means we are living our values to reuse, recycle, and reduce, as well as providing high-quality items for people to use and enjoy.
“And with this agreement touching our schools' programme and affording opportunities for migrant workers to enjoy our matches during the DP World ILT20, it should mean our message on the environment is spread to a wide audience.”
Omar Khan, the Chair of the Bat For A Chance Trustees, said: “Our agreement with the Desert Vipers is a perfect partnership.
“Bat For A Chance will receive high-quality clothing and equipment to redistribute to people who need it across the world, and workers within the UAE will be given the chance to watch matches, something they may not otherwise have been able to do, all helping the Desert Vipers achieve their climate goals.
“At the same time, the profile of Bat For a Chance will be raised, something we hope will allow us to continue and expand our work globally.
“It is a win-win for both the Desert Vipers and Bat For A Chance, and we cannot wait to get started.”
Desert Vipers Head Coach James Foster, the ex-England men’s international, said: “This partnership is absolutely great because, personally, matters around the environment and raising climate awareness are subjects I feel passionate about and aligned to.
“There is so much more that we can all be doing, but when a franchise or a group of people are driving something to make a real change – and this agreement between the Desert Vipers and Bat For A Chance is an example of that – it fills us all as the squad with great pride and satisfaction to be a part of such a movement.”
