Supported by the Bradman Foundation, the fun-filled event saw about 100 primary school children participate in various cricket activities, a rarity for people with disability, according a press statement issued by the organizers."The concept of 'Dream Cricket' was the vision of an Australian doctor, Ronald Bigg, who witnessed first-hand the positive transformation of children with disabilities who participated in American Miracle League Baseball," reads the statement.
First held in Australia in October 2010 with 80 children, the 2011 event was such a great success that the program has now been rolled out in Australia, India, Sri Lanka and now Nepal.
The Dream Cricket for children with disability is being supported by the Bradman Foundation as well as Movement Disorder Foundation and Rotary Southern Highlands and was organized in Nepal by St Xavier's School in association with regional leisure and gaming operator Silver Heritage Limited (SHL).
The students participated in cricket-based activities, including skills training such as throwing, bowling and batting, before concluding with a game of "Run Out Cricket". It was the first outing for many of the disabled children.
"This really is a fantastic initiative run by Rick McCarthy of Dream Cricket. As a keen sportsman myself I believe that all young people should have equal opportunity to participate in sport," said Mike Bolsover, CEO of SHL.
"For children with disabilities, it can really help to build self-esteem and to foster a team building and co-operative spirit. We had an excellent turnout and this will be the start of many similar events we intend to bring to Nepal in the future as we give back to the community," he added.
Fr Amrit Rai, Principal of St Xavier's School, thanked SHL for donation cricket kits.
"This donation has allowed us to continue cricket as a weekly activity. The kids are delighted!" he said.
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