I find that odd and am curious regarding the reason for it, given that he has never resided in Italy and does not hold Italian citizenship. It is analogous to describing the current Duke of Gloucester's children (or, given what Gawin posted above, his grandchildren) as Danish - which does not seem to occur.
Two reasons really:
1. His title
2. And the tendency to focus on the father when speaking of pedigree.
Really it leans more to 1. There is so much focus in the press and in comments that he is a 'count' even though the title doesnt exist. That Beatrice is the first grandchild to marry someone with a title. The title is of course Italian, so whether Edo actually ever lived in Italy or not, the focus is on his Italian roots.
But when we look at pedigree, the focus is usually on the father. It seems in that sense we look at humans like horses. That is why the Gloucester kids are not often referred to being 1/2 Danish though they are.
Edo is really British, born and raised, of half-Italian descent. But that doesnt have the same ring to it.
Thanks, that makes a bit more sense - great that his stepson decided to be involved in his work in Rwanda as well. Although I do think that his (mr Shale's) own fondness of cricket played a significant role in deciding on focusing on cricket as a way of bringing people together. It being fairly unknown might have helped to make it a 'neutral' option.
To what Francophone countries is cricket spreading? In which countries has it raised to the level of having national competitions in cricket?
Edit: just googled 'Umubano Project' and it is advertised as the Conservative Party's social action project in Rwanda. The three stated reasons for the project are:
1. Do a little bit of good in Rwanda
2. Provide a life-changing experience for participating Conservatives
3. (considered most important) Gain support for international development policies
To better illustrate what was meant by the third point:
Our third reason – and the most important one – was because these visits would mean that within the Party there would be a group of activists and supporters who really understood what works and does not work in international development. They would be able to stand up and speak with first-hand knowledge and passion, able to support and back up those policy changes which we introduced while in opposition and implemented when we came into Government in 2010.
It makes sense. If you are passionate about something, you are going to fight harder for it. Its not simply something tick off on a list. Getting into the country and getting your hands dirty and seeing it first hand will open eyes in a way reading a simple report never will.
Never hurts to have more politicians aware of the problems out there, and what can be done to help.
Great to see Edo continuing his stepfather's goals. While Edo himself is not a politician, there is also the non-political side to this. Sports have always been a way to cross boundaries and communicate without words. Kids, and adults as well, are often drawn together through sportmanship and laughter. Strengthens bonds.
As for Francophone cricket players, cricket has been growing outside of English speaking countries. There are 92 member countries of the International cricket union (though the 12 full members are mainly commonwealth countries). France, Canada, Belgium, Cameroon and Luxembourg are among the at least partly Francophone countries which are.
Remember that old movie "Seven Degrees of Kevin Bacon" that basically spoofed how many ways he was related/involved with how many different people??
