Year 13 pupil Qasim Shah and Dr Butler, Head of Physical Education and Sport, attended a prestigious dinner at Lord’s Cricket Ground, following the school’s recognition as North-West winners of the 2019 Forty Club ‘Spirit of Cricket’ Award. The evening was attended by the other regional winners of the award, along with VIP’s and dignitaries from the world of cricket.
The award was presented to QEGS’ Cricket XI Captain Qasim and Dr Butler by former Sri Lankan Cricket Captain and current President of the MCC, Kumar Sangakkara. Mr Sangakkara took time to talk to Qasim, discussing his career so far and his aspirations for the future.
Earlier in the day, both Qasim and Dr Butler met former England cricketer and MCC Head Coach Ajmal Shajad in the Indoor School at Lord’s to understand the MCC’s Young Cricketers programme, where Qasim discussed opportunities to further his professional cricketing aspirations.
Dr Butler, who has managed cricket at QEGS for over 30 years, said: “The evening made me incredibly proud of what we do at QEGS and it was an honour to represent our school. The other winners of the award were all from independent, fee-paying schools and so to have QEGS recognised as the only Free school was a very proud moment for both myself and Qasim. We go over and above in all areas of school and our recent ‘GOOD’ OFSTED report deemed our Personal Development to be ‘OUTSTANDING’, highlighting the commitment we show to areas such as sport, within school.”
“It was truly inspiring to hear from the esteemed speakers on the night and to have our award presented by cricket icon Kumar Sangakkara, something that will undoubtedly inspire Qasim for his future professional career.”
The Forty Club award is given to teams who scored highly in the categories of ‘Spirit of Cricket’ and playing skills in their game against the Forty Club this season and recognises QEGS’ commitment to the playing of cricket within school at all ages.
