WORLD DODGEBALL EVENT - AN AMAZING SUCCESS!

Team captains CHANTEL HUNTER, CHARLIE CHARMER, GEMMA SMITH, SALMA BI AND NATASHA PERRY

DATE: February 16, 2013
LOCATION: Birmingham International Futsal Arena
EVENT: World Dodgeball Championship 2013
ORGANISERS: Believe in MAD (Making a Difference) Foundation (Salma Bi); Sporting Pathways (Gemma Smith)

PROLIFIC fund-raisers Salma Bi and Gemma Smith spread their wings when they staged their latest sporting event.

Without much funding Sporting Pathways still managed to deliver a success through a sport which is not played much at all in the United Kingdom.

The sport was DODGEBALL.

The WORLD DODGEBALL CHAMPIONSHIP was held at Birmingham International Futsal Arena on February 16. The event was supposed to happen a month earlier, but the bad weather caused a postponement.

Five teams of six ladies took part and the whole day was a resounding success.

TY GOBAITH/HOPE HOUSE CHILDREN'S HOSPICE was the chosen charity to benefit from the fourth event organised by Salma and Gemma.

Based in the Conwy Valley, North Wales, Hope House provides specialist nursing care and support to life-limited children, young people and young adults.

Its support extends to the whole family from diagnosis, throughout the lifetime of the child and beyond.

Salma decided to support Hope House on the recommendation of her friend and PR agent Dave Jones, a North Wales based sports journalist.

The proceeds of the event were handed to Hope House at their office on Tuesday and the hospice was thoroughly delighted with an official letter of thanks on its way to Salma.

Salma and Gemma run two sporting charity organisations.

Award-winning cricketer Salma co-ordinates the charity Believe in MAD (Making a Difference) and Gemma, technical manager at the Birmingham Futsal Arena, is founder of the organisation Sporting Pathways which provides widespread sporting opportunities in the community.

Having already delivered three successful fund-raisers in 2012, the 10 AND 20 HOUR FUTSAL MARATHONS and the T10 INDOOR CRICKET WORLD CUP, MAD Productions and Sporting Pathways were ready to go that one bigger and better to start 2013.

World Dodge Ball 2013 was announced with six teams – six continents all set to go on January 19^th but the weather got better of things making it risky for teams who were travelling and organiser had no choice but to postpone the date.

All that was left for now was to enjoy was the Dodgeball movie on January 18 on SKY MOVIES.

A 10 Day Countdown which hypes up the event BRAWL4ALL was routinely done but Salma and Gemma had to post up the 10 days again only to leave the final day this time before the new date, February 16.

Highlights included:

Gemma Smith #World DodgeBall Brawl4All Countdown# so the snow has got the better of us, even with the option of a mini bus, shame but it’s better to do it another day, I’ll get another date there will be no delay, for now sit tight in your seat, I know very soon we will meet. #westillgotgame

Salma Bi - Day 9-Not Long now, before we Meet. Forget History this is a New Sheet. Sit back tight in Ur Seat.You are Prey, It’s what the Cobras Eat.

Ready to raise the roof, organisers brought in a Bouncy Castle too! The promotions kicked off with the video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=feK-9jeTO3U

Players arrived on the day by 2pm approx. but some players pulled out last minute which left 5 teams to participate instead of 6.

A neutral decision was made by combining two teams together and then selecting the captain.

Teams Announced:

American Coyotes: Chantel Hunter, Ily Oulkadi, Shareen Bi, Aman Kaur, Tina Daley Lakeru, Simi Panesar.
European Mammoths: Natasha Perry, Saphri Lines, Lucy Harper, Kayleigh Sage, Jo Rawlinson, Kirsty Lawie.
African Meerkats: Gemma Smith, Gemma Goode, Tami Young, Naiomi Melbourne, Sarah Tucker, Treena Greeves.
Arctic Whales: Charlie Charmer, Nicky Preston, Sophie Molyneux, Melissa Pace, Sam Taylor, Beth Poppleton.
Asian Cobras: Salma Bi, Aisha Bi, Dilara Begum, Vicky Roe, Saddi Shan, Indy Bharaj.
Guest players at previous events had travelled from Manchester, London, Wales and Yorkshire and this time the European Mammoths Team journeyed all the way from Brighton.

The Australian Kangaroos didn’t make it to the event but the show must go on!

THE EVENT

Team Captains in gear, referees in the know about rules, camera crew present, captains, team photos and Dodge Balls on the Centre Line, whistle at the ready and teams ready for the rush!

The games kicked off, each game lasting for 10 minutes and each team to play a team twice with leader board updates, Food, drinks provided...and action footage all recorded.

Matches were very intense and heart racing, Spectators looked on as teams Ducked, Danced, Dived, Dodged, and a few matrix and 007 Rolls around the Court.

No Head Shots counted but that didn’t stop the opponents from behaving like Animals.

Teams were lashing out on each other in the hope to wipe out full six players for elimination or just to survive for a draw if they had more players still live on the court.

Each team produced some great talent!

American Coyotes were the survivors of the Jungle who held onto the Dodge Balls.

European Mammoths looked like a well prepared Professional Dodge Ball Team.

African Meerkats chose to split up in two packs that sneaked upon the opponents.

Asian Cobras were busy shuffling, attempting a Slam Dunk that went wrong.

Arctic Whales mixed up players who sent out bait to the centre line and attacked from behind.

A Player of the Event Performance came from African Meerkats Naiomi Melbourne who was last man standing against the Asian Cobras, a 4 vs 1 match where she tackled her way through and managed to eliminate the opposing team!

A mixture of tactics, fun and arm breaking throws with superb efforts of surviving to qualify for the Semi Finals.

RESULTS after Each Team playing 8 Games

ASIAN COBRAS 90 4^THPLACE
ARCTIC WHALES 320 2^NDPLACE
AMERICAN CAYOTES 55 5^TH PLACE
AFRICAN MEERKATS 270 3^RD PLACE
EUROPEAN MAMMOTHS 350 1^ST PLACE

It was the end of the trail for American Coyotes standing in 5^th Place who wasn’t last, just not strong enough for the bigger beasts.

Captains were offered a Three-Man Elimination Match or 10 Minute Clockdown Match.

Referees agreed to stick with 10 Minutes which was then declared by points attained each game.

Semi-Final 1 European Mammoths v African Meerkats

A very Intense game. The African Meerkats showed true determination with a whole team effort but The European Mammoths were in full control of their land, Dodging Balls and taking catches forcing the Meerkats into Elimination.

Semi-Final 2 Arctic Whales v Asian Cobras

A match that was vital for both teams.

Guaranteed place into the final, all it took was a bite out the opponent. Nobody would have thought this but in the 10 Minute Match Arctic Whales were eliminated only to make a comeback and eliminate the Asian Cobras with two seconds to spare!

Referees offered captains for a Sudden Death or another 10 Minute Match and both agreed on another gritty gruelling 10 minute match.

All for glory both teams attacked when possible, The Arctic Whales looked strong with five minutes still remaining and now in a 2 vs. 1 player situation.

Aisha fought her way through trying her best to survive the electrifying blows from Nicky and Sophie. Chances were slim as the Cobras chanting take a catch for help began by doing the Mexican Wave in the hope of inspiration.

With still a minute remaining The Cobras were no size for the destruction of the Whales as Sophie landed a full blown throw to the final Cobra still standing.

Final European Mammoths v Arctic Whales

The showdown that depends on the World Dodge Ball Trophy Championship, a game for Survival of the Fittest and it was still anyone’s match with two hard hitting teams who both earlier in the rounds did beat each other once each.

The time ticked away and both teams began battle, with three minutes remaining only two players each side were out but soon the European Mammoths attacked their prey and came out on top.

Arctic Whales held on long enough but not enough to win, a mammoth of a battle which ended with First Ever Women’s World Dodge Ball 2013 Crowned Winners - EUROPEAN MAMMOTHS!

Natasha Perry, leading the team to victory, deserved the title for all day they showed charisma and team work.

PRESENTATION

Salma said:

"Another event complete! A big thank you to all S&S Group for assisting with footage, Sue with catering, Aisha and Supernova setting up, Trophy Shop for the Trophies and Medals, Referees for their commitment and My Side Kick Jules for supporting me from start to finish!"

 

EACH player received a medal and certificate with a Captains Players Prize
AMERICAN COYOTES FIFTH PLACE BRONZE MEDALIST
Prize SIMI PANESAR – Best arm in the Team, Most Players Eliminated.
ASIAN COBRAS FOURTH PLACE SILVER MEDALIST
Prize AISHA BI – taking on a 2 vs. 1 Battle in the Semi-Final
AFRICAN MEERKATS THIRD PLACE SILVER MEDALIST
Prize NAIOMI MELBOURNE – Eliminating a Team on her own on a 4 vs. 1 Battle
ARCTIC WHALES SECOND PLACE SILVER MEDALIST RUNNERS UP
Prize BETH POPPLETON – For a consistent performance leading her team into the Finals

EUROPEAN MAMMOTHS – WORLD DODGEBALL 2013 GOLD MEDALIST CHAMPIONS!
Prize SAPHRI LINES – Player of the Day and the Force behind the team!

The day finished with the best result that was possible, raising money for a good cause, encouraging girls/women to participate in national sporting events and setting a new record by hosting a sport no one has yet attempted!

World Dodge Ball is now a sport that will be played by more groups in the UK and give Sporting Pathways something more proud of.

Tribute Video Launching soon

MIXED FORTUNES FOR ZOMBIES

WARWICKSHIRE CRICKET BOARD Women’s Indoor League

 

SCORES - SUNDAY, NOV 25

 

Birmingham Uni (265 – 12) v Walmley CC (269 – 13) – Walmley win by 4 runs

 

Fiveways Zombies (264 – 11) v Walmley (273 – 13) – Walmley win by 9 runs

 

Birmingham University (271) v Fiveways Zombies (272) – Fiveways Zombies win

 

 

GET READY FOR THIS!

GEMMA AND SALMA SPREAD THEIR WINGS

Gemma (left) and Salma publicise their second Futsal marathon earlier this year

 

 

TWO prolific fund-raisers will be spreading their wings in the new year when they stage an exciting new sporting event.

Salma Bi and Gemma Smith have organised a World Dodgeball 2013 tournament to be held at the Birmingham Futsal Arena on Saturday, January 19.

Multi award-winning cricketer Salma is also head of MAD (Making A Difference) Productions, while Arena technical manager and futsal co-ordinator Gemma fronts Sporting Pathways.

Both organisations aim to maximise sporting opportunities for people in the Birmingham area and beyond, as well as raise vital funds for deserving causes.

In the past, Salma and Gemma have hosted 10 and 20-hour record-setting non-stop Futsal marathons, plus a T10 Indoor Cricket World Cup event, raising thousands of pounds in the process for charities such as the National Autistic Society.

Their latest event, the World Dodgeball tournament, will raise much-needed funds for North Wales based Ty Gobaith/Hope House Children's Hospice.

The Conwy Valley hospice provides specialist nursing care and support to life-limited children, young people and young adults. Its support extends to the whole family – from diagnosis, throughout the lifetime of the child and beyond.

Ty Gobaith, which has a sister hospice in Oswestry, has to raise over £4 million every year to maintain its services and receives just one month’s funding from statutory bodies.

Therefore it is heavily reliant on the support of the public.

Salma and Gemma have decided to raise money for Hope House because their publicity officer and close friend, Dave Jones, is based in North Wales.

Dave, a sports editor for three weekly newspapers and sports writer for the Daily Post, was asked if he had any ideas for a suitable cause to benefit from MAD and Sporting Pathways' latest fund raising event.

He did not hesitate to nominate Hope House, whose North Wales base is in the same offices as the Daily Post.

So what is Dodgeball?

Dodgeball is basically any of a variety of games in which players try to hit other players on the opposing team with their own balls while avoiding being hit themselves.

In the United States, the game is typically played among children aged six to 12 in elementary school.

However, internationally, the sport has also emerged as a popular middle school, high school and college sport. It is also popular in informal settings and is often played on a playground, in a gym, or in organised recreational leagues.

There are many variations of the game, but generally the main objective of each team is to eliminate all members of the opposing team by hitting them with thrown balls, catching a ball thrown by a member of the opposing team, or forcing them to move outside the court boundaries when a ball is thrown at them.

It is the sport where YOU are the target and on January 19 the delights of Dodgeball will be introduced to the Birmingham Futsal Arena. The event will be staged between 2 and 7pm.

The theme will be World Continents.

Six teams of six players each will play one another twice, leading to a semi-final and final.

Afterwards there will be presentations to include trophies, medals and certificates.

Entry fee is £10 and players will be placed into teams unless a group bring their own team.

Refreshments, event T-shirts and various prizes will be provided.

Teams competing will be:

Arctic Whales

American Coyotes

European Mammoths

African Meerkats

Asian Cobras

Australian Kangaroos

Deadline for entries is December 20 so get in touch soon!

Contact Gemma at the Futsal Arena on 07789 557931.

ZOMBIES HAVE 100% RECORD

Zombies player Maya Vashi

 

 

WARWICKSHIRE CRICKET BOARD

Women's Indoor League - results so far

Birmingham Uni 238-8 Fiveways Zombies 290-5
Zombies win by 52 runs

Fiveways Zombies 267-6 Walmley CC 260-7
Zombies win by seven runs

NOVEMBER 11
Fiveways Zombies 309 Birmingham Uni 246
Zombies win by 63 runs
Salma's report.....
Sunday we played Bham Uni - comfortable win. Original opponents Harborne couldn't get a team out but my girls performed.
Team was Cherie Dabbs with tight bowling, Simi Panesar excellent bowling, Maya Vashi quick singles, Salma Bi bowling under pressure, Nicky Preston big shots & Raneisha Ambersely fine keeping.

TABLE

Fiveways Zombies - P 3 PTS 9
Walmley CC - P 2 PTS 3
Birmingham University - P 2 PTS 0
Harborne - P 1 PTS 0

OCTOBER - ANOTHER AMAZING MONTH FOR SALMA

Salma with Yogesh Kalia

Salma with actor Humza Arshad

Salma with the great Andrew Strauss

Salma with Charlotte Edwards

 

RECENTLY we looked back on an amazing year so far for Salma Bi from January to September.
Well October has been pretty impressive too!
No matter what difficulties have been faced under the surface, Salma enjoyed her time at her dream ground Lord's, where she has represented the MCC many times in the past.
This time the Queen ov Speen was celebrating her win in the OSCA'S Outstanding Contribution to Cricket Awards. Representing her county Worcestershire, Salma was successful in the Building Partnerships category, alongside her captain Katie Blunt.
The event was very enjoyable with a three-course meal, the NatWest awards ceremony and meeting world-class players such as Andrew Strauss, the former England captain who retired from the game at the end of August following a glittering career where he led the country to No1 in the world Test Cricket status.
Also present was current England women's captain Charlotte Edwards, who has helped make her team the strongest in the world in the ladies game, as well as Clare Connor.
During October, Salma has also become a face for the young generation.
Approached by film directors from the Hamza Productions Project, Salma has performed in a comedy sketch alongside Hamza, who plays Diary of a Badman.
A YouTube film will soon be released to create more awareness of Salma's achievements in a two-part sketch and interview.
Salma hopes the project raises the profile of her and the work she is involved in.
This month has also given time for Gemma Smith and Salma to work on their new website soon to be launched www.sportingpathways.org/
Next month will be more about promotions for the next big event - World DodgeBall - and updates on Salma's team Five Ways Zombies, who defend their indoor cricket title.
More on the Zombies on the Believe in Mad - Making a Difference blog at
mad-cricket@blogspot.co.uk
Still to be produced is a two-part article on Salma and Gemma's careers so far in the Asian World article and another internet/TV interview with an online magazine company Desiblitz during an indoor cricket game.
Stay tuned for more news.....

ZOMBIES BACK IN STYLE

Zombies began the season in winning form

FIVE Ways Zombies made a great return to the indoor cricket world at the weekend.
Defending their title and captained by Worcestershire spinner Salma Bi, the Zombies' first match was against Birmingham University.
Bowling first, it was runs out galore by Mina Zahoor and Nicky Preston. Bham only managed to post a total of 216.
The Zombies crushed them easily by putting up a mighty target of 288, with big runs contributed by Salma and Cherie Dabbs.
The second game saw Zombies take on Walmley Cricket Club.
Batting first, Zombies posted 267. Now it was Walmley's turn to wield the willow.
Consistent bowlers such as Maya Vashi and Simi Panesar held up a good challenge, however, with one over remaining Walmley were now on a draw at 267.
Enter Salma to take the last over. Bowling with intensity to create pressure was her game. Three dot balls caused problems for the batsmen.
On their attempt to run off the fourth delivery, Walmley suffered a run out at the hands of Mina. The next ball was too good to hit, so off the final delivery the opposition needed something special.
A quicker delivery from the Queen ov Speen hit the toe of the batsman and as the ball reached Nicky's hands the Zombies knew another run out was on the way.
Another minus five runs and game over - another Zombies victory!
The girls strike again!
The new season is now well underway, so stay tuned for all the latest Zombies reports.