Maasai Cricket Warriors from Laikipia have been nominated for the International Peace and Sports “Image of the Year” Award. The photograph that receives the most votes from the public will be designated “Image of the Year” and announced during the George Bertellotti Podiums d’Or evening at SPORTEL Monaco on 16 October, 2012.

The Peace and Sport Awards Ceremony will take place on Thursday, 1 November in Sochi, Russian Federation, under the High Presidency of H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco.

The Maasai Cricket Warriors were formed to empower the youth in the Maasai communities of Kenya through cricket development, while enhancing their participation in community development, allowing them to become healthy, productive and well adjusted members of society.

Through cricket development amongst schools and youth within Maasai communities, a platform is built to promote education and as a means of encouraging sustainable social change.

This is achieved by focusing on developing personalities, improving life skills and reducing at-risk behaviour by broadening youths’ horizons, bridging social divides, increasing health-related awareness and providing participants with the tools to help them make the right choices when facing social challenges. Key issues that are being addressed include: HIV/AIDS awareness amongst youth, combating gender discrimination, reducing alcohol and substance abuse, raising awareness of environmental and conservation issues amongst youth and children and contributing to peace building efforts and local development.

In December 2011, the Maasai Cricket Warriors were appointed by the International Cricket Council as ambassadors of their THINK WISE HIV/AIDS Awareness Program.