Venue: Forrest Park, Walcott Street, My Lawley
Time: 12:30pm - 6pm
Contact: Lucy 0403412513
The Perth event will be a 20/20 match between a Zimbo team and an Otha team (largely Australians and South Africans).
The event is free and open to anyone.
Bring your own picnic (note: we didn't get permission from the council to consume alcohol) and mingle with Zimbabweans and friends, with music that reminds us of 'home'.
This is a social event so guests are asked to please leave politics at home.
There's a playground for the kids too!
Supported by:
North Beach IGA
HeliAirIt
Ribbon of Africa
T&V Fencing
Monday 20 August 2007
Sunday 19 August 2007
Addressing the Prime Minister
Thursday 16th August 2007
The Hon John Howard MP
Prime Minister
Parliament House
CANBERRA ACT 2600
Dear Mr Howard,
In May this year you announced a decision to prevent the Australian Cricket team from touring Zimbabwe this September.
We, the Zimbabwean Diaspora, feel it is important that we do something to recognise the significance of this decision. As a result, on Saturday 1st September Zimbabweans worldwide will participate in ‘Play for Zimbabwe’. This initiative will allow Zimbabweans, wherever they are, to gather together for a game of cricket in celebration of our people’s humour, hope and resilience.
One core event will take place in Perth and we feel it is important to both acknowledge and appreciate that while residing Australia we experience the freedom and stability to express our solidarity with the people of Zimbabwe. We remain thankful for the opportunities Zimbabwean Diaspora find in Australia. We offer our assurance that it is in no way our intention to disrupt the harmony of the Australian community.
Thank you for your decisions, which have naturally had Australia’s best interests at heart, but also adhere by a sense of global responsibility to acknowledge that the situation in Zimbabwe is neither normal nor acceptable.
On behalf of Zimbabweans everywhere, warm regards.
The Hon John Howard MP
Prime Minister
Parliament House
CANBERRA ACT 2600
Dear Mr Howard,
In May this year you announced a decision to prevent the Australian Cricket team from touring Zimbabwe this September.
We, the Zimbabwean Diaspora, feel it is important that we do something to recognise the significance of this decision. As a result, on Saturday 1st September Zimbabweans worldwide will participate in ‘Play for Zimbabwe’. This initiative will allow Zimbabweans, wherever they are, to gather together for a game of cricket in celebration of our people’s humour, hope and resilience.
One core event will take place in Perth and we feel it is important to both acknowledge and appreciate that while residing Australia we experience the freedom and stability to express our solidarity with the people of Zimbabwe. We remain thankful for the opportunities Zimbabwean Diaspora find in Australia. We offer our assurance that it is in no way our intention to disrupt the harmony of the Australian community.
Thank you for your decisions, which have naturally had Australia’s best interests at heart, but also adhere by a sense of global responsibility to acknowledge that the situation in Zimbabwe is neither normal nor acceptable.
On behalf of Zimbabweans everywhere, warm regards.
Friday 10 August 2007
International Press Release
Pushing Past Politics, Play For Zimbabwe Must Go On
Australia’s Cancellation of Cricket Tour Inspires Worldwide Day of Play
With the Australian government’s refusal to let its national Cricket team tour Zimbabwe in September, the cancellation of the highly-anticipated event leaves a void among fans and a country struggling to hang on to its normalcy. Young Zimbabweans are taking matters into their own hands, attempting for only one day to help fill the void with Play For Zimbabwe, a grass-roots effort to organize cricket games around the world on Sept. 1, 2007.
The event will take place in several cities and towns across Europe, Australia and New Zealand, Africa, the USA and Canada. Zimbabweans and cricket lovers alike from around the globe are encouraged to be a part of games near them on Sept. 1. From backyards and playgrounds, to streets and clubs, organizers and players will enjoy a day where the focus is not on political ideology or its effects, but simply on the game of Cricket; a sport that crosses racial, political and socioeconomic lines.
“By celebrating the strengths of our people—that is, the hope, humour and resilience—we are starting to rebuild our sense of national pride and demonstrating that we still believe in our right to a future, that we haven't given up,” organizer for the Australian region Lucy Jarvis said. “The Play For Zimbabwe initiative is an avenue for Zimbabweans to express their love for a nation at a time when all we get is bad news.”
Organizers are using the extended network of young Zimbabweans around the globe, utilizing social networks on the Internet and blog sites, in a grassroots effort to promote unity among scattered citizens of the struggling nation. Mostly university students from Zimbabwe who are not currently in their home country are coordinating games.
“The initiative appeals to this generation in particular because of its simplicity and its optimistic nature,” the event’s blog site states. “It is different, but it is increasingly evident that in order to make a difference, a different approach is needed.”
Kwapi T. Vengesayi, who is helping to organize a day of play on the West coast of the United States, describes the importance of cricket to his generation as it has helped to build bridges between race and class divisions in Zimbabwe. He also notes the pride and unity in Zimbabwe as a result of the team’s display of the national colors in their uniform.
Like many other young people, this generation of Zimbabweans is finding hope in the potential for sport to represent the vision of a unified country. More importantly, they are celebrating the strength and power that is a current reality among them, as they are able to organize a worldwide event like Play For Zimbabwe.
Australia’s Cancellation of Cricket Tour Inspires Worldwide Day of Play
With the Australian government’s refusal to let its national Cricket team tour Zimbabwe in September, the cancellation of the highly-anticipated event leaves a void among fans and a country struggling to hang on to its normalcy. Young Zimbabweans are taking matters into their own hands, attempting for only one day to help fill the void with Play For Zimbabwe, a grass-roots effort to organize cricket games around the world on Sept. 1, 2007.
The event will take place in several cities and towns across Europe, Australia and New Zealand, Africa, the USA and Canada. Zimbabweans and cricket lovers alike from around the globe are encouraged to be a part of games near them on Sept. 1. From backyards and playgrounds, to streets and clubs, organizers and players will enjoy a day where the focus is not on political ideology or its effects, but simply on the game of Cricket; a sport that crosses racial, political and socioeconomic lines.
“By celebrating the strengths of our people—that is, the hope, humour and resilience—we are starting to rebuild our sense of national pride and demonstrating that we still believe in our right to a future, that we haven't given up,” organizer for the Australian region Lucy Jarvis said. “The Play For Zimbabwe initiative is an avenue for Zimbabweans to express their love for a nation at a time when all we get is bad news.”
Organizers are using the extended network of young Zimbabweans around the globe, utilizing social networks on the Internet and blog sites, in a grassroots effort to promote unity among scattered citizens of the struggling nation. Mostly university students from Zimbabwe who are not currently in their home country are coordinating games.
“The initiative appeals to this generation in particular because of its simplicity and its optimistic nature,” the event’s blog site states. “It is different, but it is increasingly evident that in order to make a difference, a different approach is needed.”
Kwapi T. Vengesayi, who is helping to organize a day of play on the West coast of the United States, describes the importance of cricket to his generation as it has helped to build bridges between race and class divisions in Zimbabwe. He also notes the pride and unity in Zimbabwe as a result of the team’s display of the national colors in their uniform.
Like many other young people, this generation of Zimbabweans is finding hope in the potential for sport to represent the vision of a unified country. More importantly, they are celebrating the strength and power that is a current reality among them, as they are able to organize a worldwide event like Play For Zimbabwe.
Sunday 15 July 2007
International Outline
The ‘Play for Zimbabwe’ concept was born as a direct result of the cancelled Australian cricket tour to Zimbabwe, which was planned for September.
‘Play for Zimbabwe’ is an initiative to celebrate the hope, humour and resilience of Zimbabweans. The initiative targets the ‘born free’ generation of Zimbabwean diaspora by offering us the opportunity to represent our country, demonstrate our pride and express our solidarity with the Zimbabwean people.
This is a generation that has been scattered further afield than any other and yet still manages to build extensive networks and discuss openly childhoods spent in Zimbabwe. ‘Play for Zimbabwe’ wants to give this generation the opportunity to use the passion we have for our country to rebuild a dream for the future.
The initiative appeals to this generation in particular because of its simplicity and its optimistic nature. It is the first step to building for the future rather than fighting against the past. It is different, but it is increasingly evident that in order to make a difference, a different approach is needed.
The event, to be held on Saturday 1st September, will take place in several locations internationally. Social networks online and on the ground are being used to organise and promote it and every effort will be made to ensure everyone is included. It is therefore important that we involve community groups, businesses and families to support and encourage this generation.
‘Play for Zimbabwe’ is an initiative to celebrate the hope, humour and resilience of Zimbabweans. The initiative targets the ‘born free’ generation of Zimbabwean diaspora by offering us the opportunity to represent our country, demonstrate our pride and express our solidarity with the Zimbabwean people.
This is a generation that has been scattered further afield than any other and yet still manages to build extensive networks and discuss openly childhoods spent in Zimbabwe. ‘Play for Zimbabwe’ wants to give this generation the opportunity to use the passion we have for our country to rebuild a dream for the future.
The initiative appeals to this generation in particular because of its simplicity and its optimistic nature. It is the first step to building for the future rather than fighting against the past. It is different, but it is increasingly evident that in order to make a difference, a different approach is needed.
The event, to be held on Saturday 1st September, will take place in several locations internationally. Social networks online and on the ground are being used to organise and promote it and every effort will be made to ensure everyone is included. It is therefore important that we involve community groups, businesses and families to support and encourage this generation.
Sunday 8 July 2007
Updated list of coordinators
AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND
Glen Barrett (no network)
Auckland Coordinator
Vimbayi Munonyara (Australia)
Melbourne Officer
Michael House (Zimbabwe)
Brisbane Coordinator
Lucy Jarvis (Murdoch)
Perth Coordinator
AFRICA
Nabila Esat and Priya (Zimbabwe)
Harare Coordinators
Chanel Bruford (no network)
Johannesburg Coordinator
Emma Jarvis (Zimbabwe)
Cape Town Coordinator
Jess Jarvis (no network)
Grahamstown Coordinator
EUROPE
Tatenda Mazwi (Bergen)
German Coordinator
Michael Peter Moor (Zimbabwe)
Irish Coordinator
Kiki Floyd (Zimbabwe)
Elviria Marbella (Spain) Coordinator
Thorben K (Denmark)
Allerød Coordinator
Tsitsi Madanhire (University of Hull)
Birmingham Coordinator
Warwick Green (Newcastle UK)
Newcastle Coordinator
Dane Kaagman (no network)
Chichester Coordinator
USA & CANADA
Angela Khosa (Howard)
Howard Coordinator
Susan Mpunga (Manhattanville)
New York Coordinator
Jacqueline Terry (Ottawa, ON)
Ottawa Coordinator
Anja Kortenaar (University of Toronto)
Toronto Coordinator
Kimberly Dawn Kerr (Vancouver, BC)
Vancouver Coordinator
Kiki Cherry (Pittsburgh, PA)
Pittsburgh Coordinator
Kwapi V (Idaho)
Idaho Coordinator
If you would like to contact any of the coordinators, please write to play4zimbabwe@gmail.com and we will provide contact information.
Glen Barrett (no network)
Auckland Coordinator
Vimbayi Munonyara (Australia)
Melbourne Officer
Michael House (Zimbabwe)
Brisbane Coordinator
Lucy Jarvis (Murdoch)
Perth Coordinator
AFRICA
Nabila Esat and Priya (Zimbabwe)
Harare Coordinators
Chanel Bruford (no network)
Johannesburg Coordinator
Emma Jarvis (Zimbabwe)
Cape Town Coordinator
Jess Jarvis (no network)
Grahamstown Coordinator
EUROPE
Tatenda Mazwi (Bergen)
German Coordinator
Michael Peter Moor (Zimbabwe)
Irish Coordinator
Kiki Floyd (Zimbabwe)
Elviria Marbella (Spain) Coordinator
Thorben K (Denmark)
Allerød Coordinator
Tsitsi Madanhire (University of Hull)
Birmingham Coordinator
Warwick Green (Newcastle UK)
Newcastle Coordinator
Dane Kaagman (no network)
Chichester Coordinator
USA & CANADA
Angela Khosa (Howard)
Howard Coordinator
Susan Mpunga (Manhattanville)
New York Coordinator
Jacqueline Terry (Ottawa, ON)
Ottawa Coordinator
Anja Kortenaar (University of Toronto)
Toronto Coordinator
Kimberly Dawn Kerr (Vancouver, BC)
Vancouver Coordinator
Kiki Cherry (Pittsburgh, PA)
Pittsburgh Coordinator
Kwapi V (Idaho)
Idaho Coordinator
If you would like to contact any of the coordinators, please write to play4zimbabwe@gmail.com and we will provide contact information.
Sunday 24 June 2007
Progress... is moving forward
Things are happening. It's fantastic. People are jumping on board all over the place. Literally, from distant places like Canada and Denmark, to 'home', Zimbabwe.
Kwapi (Idaho Coordinator) mentioned a significant mechanism for maximising the effectiveness of the day when we Play for Zimbabwe: take pictures! Even if only a handful of people gather where you are, a single photo can validater your purpose and help in the aftermath by showing we still all love our country and want to represent it now matter how far we travel.
Behind the scenes, planning is ongoing. Venues are being confirmed gradually, and other considerations are being dealt with one by one. These include:
- music (having the sounds of home livens the atmosphere and really adds to the celebratory nature of this event)
- refreshments (again, the flavour of home would be ideal, but otherwise anything to give us energy and a heart-warming feeling)
- publicity (mostly word of mouth, but the net is a powerful mechanism, and posters can be fantastic promotion. If anyone needs the logo emailed to them contact play4zimbabwe@gmail.com )
- security (mainly for the big events, because there's always the potential for people to get worked up. Please note however, this is meant to be an enjoyable event so leave the past where it belongs and bring only your enthusiasm for the future.)
It's amazing to see how united Zimbabweans remains despite the geographical divisions, and this is really going to be the start of something better for the nation.
Kwapi (Idaho Coordinator) mentioned a significant mechanism for maximising the effectiveness of the day when we Play for Zimbabwe: take pictures! Even if only a handful of people gather where you are, a single photo can validater your purpose and help in the aftermath by showing we still all love our country and want to represent it now matter how far we travel.
Behind the scenes, planning is ongoing. Venues are being confirmed gradually, and other considerations are being dealt with one by one. These include:
- music (having the sounds of home livens the atmosphere and really adds to the celebratory nature of this event)
- refreshments (again, the flavour of home would be ideal, but otherwise anything to give us energy and a heart-warming feeling)
- publicity (mostly word of mouth, but the net is a powerful mechanism, and posters can be fantastic promotion. If anyone needs the logo emailed to them contact play4zimbabwe@gmail.com )
- security (mainly for the big events, because there's always the potential for people to get worked up. Please note however, this is meant to be an enjoyable event so leave the past where it belongs and bring only your enthusiasm for the future.)
It's amazing to see how united Zimbabweans remains despite the geographical divisions, and this is really going to be the start of something better for the nation.
Thursday 21 June 2007
fantastic enthusiasm! Who's where...
So far we have 12 coordinators internationally, and hundreds of people joining the various Facebook, Hi5 and MySpace profiles for the event.
TORONTO, CANADA: Anja Kortenaar (University of Toronto)
Toronto Coordinator
ALLEROD, DENMARK: Thorben K (Denmark)
Allerød Coordinator
JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA: Chanel Bruford (no network)
Johannesburg Coordinator
BIRMINGHAM, UK: Tsitsi Madanhire (University of Hull)
Birmingham Coordinator
BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA: Michael House (Zimbabwe)
Brisbane Coordinator
PITTSBURGH, USA: Kiki Cherry (Pittsburgh, PA)
Pittsburgh Coordinator
IDAHO, USA: Kwapi V (Idaho)
Idaho Coordinator
NEWCASTLE, UK: Warwick Green (Newcastle UK)
Newcastle Coordinator
CHICHESTER, UK: Dane Kaagman (Zimbabwe)
Chichester Coordinator
PERTH, AUSTRALIA: Lucy Jarvis
Perth Coordinator
CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA: Emma Jarvis (Zimbabwe)
Cape Town Coordinator
GRAHAMSTOWN, SOUTH AFRICA: Jess Jarvis (no network)
Grahamstown Coordinator
There are plenty more places where games can happen, and plenty of people who could be coordinators in their location, so jump on board and let us know so we can help get the word out for you. Organising an event is as easy as you want it to be - the smallest and simplest events will just be a gathering of Zimbabweans and friends with a game of backyard cricket and unity celebrated with food and music.
Email: play4zimbabwe@gmail.com
TORONTO, CANADA: Anja Kortenaar (University of Toronto)
Toronto Coordinator
ALLEROD, DENMARK: Thorben K (Denmark)
Allerød Coordinator
JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA: Chanel Bruford (no network)
Johannesburg Coordinator
BIRMINGHAM, UK: Tsitsi Madanhire (University of Hull)
Birmingham Coordinator
BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA: Michael House (Zimbabwe)
Brisbane Coordinator
PITTSBURGH, USA: Kiki Cherry (Pittsburgh, PA)
Pittsburgh Coordinator
IDAHO, USA: Kwapi V (Idaho)
Idaho Coordinator
NEWCASTLE, UK: Warwick Green (Newcastle UK)
Newcastle Coordinator
CHICHESTER, UK: Dane Kaagman (Zimbabwe)
Chichester Coordinator
PERTH, AUSTRALIA: Lucy Jarvis
Perth Coordinator
CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA: Emma Jarvis (Zimbabwe)
Cape Town Coordinator
GRAHAMSTOWN, SOUTH AFRICA: Jess Jarvis (no network)
Grahamstown Coordinator
There are plenty more places where games can happen, and plenty of people who could be coordinators in their location, so jump on board and let us know so we can help get the word out for you. Organising an event is as easy as you want it to be - the smallest and simplest events will just be a gathering of Zimbabweans and friends with a game of backyard cricket and unity celebrated with food and music.
Email: play4zimbabwe@gmail.com
Tuesday 12 June 2007
The Handbook
While preparations for the Perth event are being carried out, it might be helpful for everyone else, everywhere else, to see what's needed to get something going where you are:
1) Talk to people about it
2) Get a team together, either to help organise (if you need it) or to help promote it or just to guarantee they'll be there - all the people I've spoken to have promised the latter without hesitation.
3) Find a venue. It can be anywhere, from the small and intimate backyard to the spontaneous game on a street (watch out for traffic) to your nearby park, or school, or university. If it's one of the latter, book it (and watch out for booking fees - if you can get a business owner or community group to cover that then go ahead with it!)
4) get players and teams together
5) get support - again business owners and community groups will help, whether it's by putting up a poster for your event, spreading the word, providing refreshments or just joining in. Remember if you do get any sort of sponsorship help, do a little advertising for them in return (if you want them listed on this site, contact Lucy via play4zimbabwe@gmail.com )
Remember, the emphasis is on enjoying being Zimbabwean and being together to represent a country we all love, so do it all with enthusiasm!
1) Talk to people about it
2) Get a team together, either to help organise (if you need it) or to help promote it or just to guarantee they'll be there - all the people I've spoken to have promised the latter without hesitation.
3) Find a venue. It can be anywhere, from the small and intimate backyard to the spontaneous game on a street (watch out for traffic) to your nearby park, or school, or university. If it's one of the latter, book it (and watch out for booking fees - if you can get a business owner or community group to cover that then go ahead with it!)
4) get players and teams together
5) get support - again business owners and community groups will help, whether it's by putting up a poster for your event, spreading the word, providing refreshments or just joining in. Remember if you do get any sort of sponsorship help, do a little advertising for them in return (if you want them listed on this site, contact Lucy via play4zimbabwe@gmail.com )
Remember, the emphasis is on enjoying being Zimbabwean and being together to represent a country we all love, so do it all with enthusiasm!
Friday 8 June 2007
grassroots and weeding
'Play for Zimbabwe' isn't public yet (solely because I want a picture to grab attention and brand the idea - I promise it's coming, but at a suitably Zimbabwean pace). But what is abundantly clear is that everyone is excited about it - everyone is excited about the opportunity to show their pride and recognise the importance of their nationality. These first few days are significant (please note the idea 'Play for Zimbabwe' was only born eight days ago) first for testing the response to this suggestion and for establishing an action plan to make it a reality.
'Play for Zimbabwe' is realistically simple, do-able and appealing, particularly for the 'born free' generation of Zimbabweans who, in recent years, have learnt to network extensively to re-affirm their identities and sense of belonging.
I am as impatient as the next person to see this fulfilled - it would be great if everything was ready "yesterday". But it's important to be practical too - so time to write to Cricket Australia and inform them of the event, out of respect for the game and for their team.
'Play for Zimbabwe' is realistically simple, do-able and appealing, particularly for the 'born free' generation of Zimbabweans who, in recent years, have learnt to network extensively to re-affirm their identities and sense of belonging.
I am as impatient as the next person to see this fulfilled - it would be great if everything was ready "yesterday". But it's important to be practical too - so time to write to Cricket Australia and inform them of the event, out of respect for the game and for their team.
Thursday 7 June 2007
The idea
Australia won't be playing cricket against Zimbabwe this September, and many Zimbabweans are no longer playing for their country. The situation in Zimbabwe is such that people can barely think about the future let alone plan for it. The situation is such that today millions of Zimbabweans live somewhere else. And they all reminisce about what their nation could be.
The 'Play for Zimbabwe' idea grew from the desire to do something to recognise the significance of Australia's decision and of the diasporic Zimbabwean community.
It recognises that Zimbabweans, wherever they are, are tired of hearing only bad news and of feeling like all their battles are always against something. It recognises that Zimbabweans, like all people, want to feel they have something worth celebrating. It recognises that the youth of Zimbabwe, wherever they are now, are always looking for ways to show their love for their nation.
'Play for Zimbabwe' is a celebration that allows us to do that. And it can happen anywhere. It is happening everywhere.
The 'Play for Zimbabwe' idea grew from the desire to do something to recognise the significance of Australia's decision and of the diasporic Zimbabwean community.
It recognises that Zimbabweans, wherever they are, are tired of hearing only bad news and of feeling like all their battles are always against something. It recognises that Zimbabweans, like all people, want to feel they have something worth celebrating. It recognises that the youth of Zimbabwe, wherever they are now, are always looking for ways to show their love for their nation.
'Play for Zimbabwe' is a celebration that allows us to do that. And it can happen anywhere. It is happening everywhere.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
