Cricket for the disabled all about inclusion

 By PETER SEVARA JR
CRICKET PNG has become a pacesetter for other sporting bodies in Papua New Guinea following the successful launching of the Cricket for the disabled programme.
The event held at Amini Park over the weekend was hailed as a first in the world by Cricket Victoria representative Annie Hateley.
“I don’t know about you guys but for me as a cricket person and a part Papua New Guinean who has travelled all over the cricket world, I’ve never seen programmes like this for the disabled and I am so proud of what is happening over here,” Hateley said.
Known as the Kriket Blo Olegta programme, with the theme “Come Lets Partner For An Inclusive Society” Cricket PNG aims to promote inclusiveness through cricket.
Saturday was the National Disability Day and officer in charge of the programme Nellie Pabulu said the programme was established this year and was an initiative of the Australian Government, funded by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade through the Pacific Sports Partnership programme.
“The Program aims to engage people with a disability to increase participation and inclusion through the sport of cricket,” Pabulu said.
“Cricket PNG hopes the disability programme promotes inclusiveness through adventure and challenge, companionship, control over lifestyle, freedom, friendship, hope and enthusiasm, improved self image, independence and finally social opportunities,” Pabulu added.
Saimonah Mokupe, a physiotherapist at the Cheshire Disability Services, said the disabled had no limitations; their only limitation was how people thought of them and thanked Cricket PNG and various sponsors for including them. Centers for the disabled that attended were the St. Johns Blind Services, Red Cross Special Resource Centre and Callan Services for Disabled Persons, including families of the participants and executives from the National Disabled Association.
Sponsors and service providers for the event were the Papua New Guinean Paralympics Committee, Cricket Victoria, the Community Development Department, the Australian High Commission and Cricket PNG.
The late start to the event did not dampen spirits as they performed creative dances and St John’s Blind Services band kept everyone entertained.  The day ended with Cricket PNG helpers taking the participants through basic cricket skills.