'Cricket for Disabled People Day'

Disabled Cricket - woman with no arms or legs! © ICC

If sports are for all as mentioned by the International Olympic Committee then Vanuatu Cricket Association is heading in the right direction by developing and creating opportunities for people of all genders regardless of who and what they are whether big or small.

'Cricket i blong evriwan' (Cricket for Everyone) was on the right track with the launching of Cricket for people with Disability on the 15th June 2007 in conjunction with the local disabled sports organization VANDISPORT (Vanuatu Disabled in Sports). The other disabled persons groups in Vanuatu were also involved.

Vanuatu Cricket feels that people with a disability are part of the sporting community and that they should be recognized by the community and the nation as a whole. Disabled persons gain recognition when they are involved in jobs and social activities and even when it comes to sports, for instance, with cricket particularly, they can play the game in a modified version.

In their official speeches to launch the 'Cricket for Disabled People Day' the 'Ministers of Justice and Social Welfare' Hon. Joshua Kalsakau who looks after the Disabled Society and Minister for Youth & Sports, Hon. Dunstan Hilton congratulates the Vanuatu Cricket Association for such initiative and that they only hope similar programs should be run by other sporting federations. Minister Kalsakau stressed that it is very important that sport is for everyone, whether it be a person with disability or anyone else.

The launch was attended by students from Vila East School and Central School; the atmosphere was exceptional for everyone involved. It was very emotional as this was their first time working with people with different disabilities and you just feel over the moon with the outcome. God knows. The day was a success and the kids were fantastic playing with their disabled friends. Vanuatu Cricket plan to run additional programs for people with disabilities over the coming months and make this an important part of the annual cricket calendar.

The Vanuatu Cricket Association wishes to acknowledge the generous support of Ridgway Blake Lawyers for making that day a success for everyone involved. Without them it would not be possible at all.