A celebration of ‘disability cricket’

Kolkata: The British Deputy High Commission Kolkata, in collaboration with the Indo-British Scholars' Association (IBSA), Rotary Club of Kolkata Metro City, and Connections, celebrated leadership potential of disabled cricketers, inclusion, resilience, and the power of sport to mark International Day of Persons with Disabilities 2024 on Wednesday evening.The event focused on ‘Amplifying Leadership in Disability Cricket' and brought together disabled cricketers from the West Bengal Cricket Association for Differently Abled.Jane Powell, performance manager, Disability Cricket, England and Wales Cricket Board, and Rob Tipping, head of Cricket Programmes, Lord's Taverners, joined online from London and highlighted the various disability cricket initiatives they undertake to raise awareness of this game.British deputy high commissioner to East and Northeast India Andrew Fleming and panelists in the discussion on ‘Amplifying Leadership in Disability Cricket' — Sarbani Bhattacharya, Ritushree Guha, and Utpal Majumdar — highlighted the importance of accessibility in sports, breaking barriers, and promoting equal opportunities for people with disabilities.Fleming, said: "Aside from being good for one's health, sport participation is an immensely powerful medium through which to develop many life skills. It should be available and accessible to all, and this absolutely should include the differently abled community. In cricket, badminton, archery, and more, India has seen stars emerge, some participants at our event among them. However, there is a long way to go to make sport truly accessible to all across India and the wider world."Reetasri Ghosh, vice-president, Indo-British Scholars' Association, said: "Disabled cricketers are truly redefining leadership on the field. From overcoming physical challenges to leading their teams to victory, these players are truly role models for everyone. Their dedication to the sport and their ability to inspire others is indeed commendable. Social responsibility is at the core of many of the activities of IBSA."Kolkata: The British Deputy High Commission Kolkata, in collaboration with the Indo-British Scholars' Association (IBSA), Rotary Club of Kolkata Metro City, and Connections, celebrated leadership potential of disabled cricketers, inclusion, resilience, and the power of sport to mark International Day of Persons with Disabilities 2024 on Wednesday evening.The event focused on ‘Amplifying Leadership in Disability Cricket' and brought together disabled cricketers from the West Bengal Cricket Association for Differently Abled.Jane Powell, performance manager, Disability Cricket, England and Wales Cricket Board, and Rob Tipping, head of Cricket Programmes, Lord's Taverners, joined online from London and highlighted the various disability cricket initiatives they undertake to raise awareness of this game.British deputy high commissioner to East and Northeast India Andrew Fleming and panelists in the discussion on ‘Amplifying Leadership in Disability Cricket' — Sarbani Bhattacharya, Ritushree Guha, and Utpal Majumdar — highlighted the importance of accessibility in sports, breaking barriers, and promoting equal opportunities for people with disabilities.Fleming, said: "Aside from being good for one's health, sport participation is an immensely powerful medium through which to develop many life skills. It should be available and accessible to all, and this absolutely should include the differently abled community. In cricket, badminton, archery, and more, India has seen stars emerge, some participants at our event among them. However, there is a long way to go to make sport truly accessible to all across India and the wider world."Reetasri Ghosh, vice-president, Indo-British Scholars' Association, said: "Disabled cricketers are truly redefining leadership on the field. From overcoming physical challenges to leading their teams to victory, these players are truly role models for everyone. Their dedication to the sport and their ability to inspire others is indeed commendable. Social responsibility is at the core of many of the activities of IBSA."
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