Suncoast Casino & Entertainment World has proven its commitment and dedication to give back to the community through sport by strengthening its seven-year partnership with the KwaZulu-Natal Cricket Union (KZNCU) through the Suncoast Dolphins Cricket Academy.

SUNCOAST’S determination to foster new talent has been about creating and developing opportunities for all young cricketers to reach their potential while fuelling their desire for success.

This has entailed an annual monetary sponsorship for the Suncoast Dolphins Cricket Academy.

Sandile Xolo, Brand Manager for SUNCOAST, says: “The main motivation for our continued investment in the Suncoast Dolphins Cricket Academy is to develop the game of cricket in KZN and invest in young and upcoming stars for the future.

“The partnership gives us the opportunity to reach out to young cricketers from disadvantaged areas and to offer them development opportunities such as coaching at schools through outreach programmes.

“The ultimate measure of success for the Suncoast Dolphins Cricket Academy is when young cricketers coming through from the Academy make it into the first team.”

One such player in recent years has been Khaya Zondo, a product of the academy who graduated into the first team with great success.

“Seeing young cricketers like Khaya Zondo achieve their dreams of playing professional cricket is what makes the partnership more than worthwhile,” said Xolo.

Mike Dowsley, Executive Director of Suncoast, said: “SUNCOAST’S philosophy is to provide support to sport teams in the immediate community.

“The Suncoast Dolphins Cricket Academy aims to harness the incredible talent we have on our doorstep.

“We are incredibly proud that we are able to make a meaningful contribution to the future of South Africa’s young stars.”

“We really appreciate the continued support of Mike Dowsley and SUNCOAST for our Academy. Through this sponsorship, we are able to fast track the development of our Elite cricketers in the province,” said Jesse Chellan, CEO of KZN and Dolphins cricket.

Fans will also score big with various prize giveaways on match days from SUNCOAST.

One lucky season ticket holder who is the first to arrive at the stadium will walk away with a fabulous stay for two at the Suncoast Hotel and Towers, and the first 100 fans to arrive at the Dolphins matches will receive free Suncoast giveaways.

All season ticket holders will receive SUNCOAST entertainment vouchers as well as free parking at Suncoast.

Kathryn Taljaard, Marketing and PRO for KZN Cricket (Pty) Ltd, commented “ Our partnership with Suncoast gives us the opportunity to bring added value benefits to our loyal season ticket holders. As we head into the start of the 2011 2012 cricket season, we are excited to see the fans take up this offer and support the Sunfoil Dolphins on the field at matches!”

Season tickets are on sale, and can be purchased from the Sahara Stadium, Kingsmead ticket office or by visiting the Sunfoil Dolphins website www.dolphinscricket.co.za