‘Dream Cricket’ a memorable day
Rotary Club of Colombo West organised the first ever Dream Cricket event in Sri Lanka for the differently able primary school children 
in partnership with the Sir Donald Bradman Foundation and the Movement Disorder Foundation in Australia at the NCC grounds, Maitland Place Colombo 7 recently.
It was a full day session of Dream Cricket organised by the Rotary Club of Colombo west for over1000 differently able children from Colombo, Mannar and Vavuniya. The children were given a once in a lifetime chance to enjoy a day of cricket on a proper ground and were aimed at improving their skills like catching, throwing, running and batting. It was an event in which these children, parents and caregivers were treated to a day of fun and camaraderie. After a round of cricket, they were treated to a session of music and dancing with a band playing their favourite songs.
After the lunch break, the children participated in various games and competitions that followed by another round of music and dancing. The day ended with the distribution of prizes and certificates.
The event was graced by Adam John, Counsellor of the Australian High Commission, Rick McCarthy, Cricket Ambassador of the Bradman Foundation and Rotary District Governor Dharshan George.
Rick McCarthy when interviewed said he was truly delighted to be a part of this happy event. He pointed out that this was only the third Dream Cricket event held out of Australia. He further added that the smiles on the faces of the children made it all the worthwhile.
Former Sri Lanka cricketer Aravinda De Silva was seen mingling with the children and signing autographs which made the day even more special. CEO of Sri Lanka Cricket was also present at the day’s events.
President of the Club, Rotarian Karu Karunakaran thanked the project partners the Bradman Foundation, Movement Disorder Foundation, main sponsor Hyundai Lanka, Associate sponsor, Neelan Tiruchelvam Trust and all the other sponsors. The President also extended his thanks to the Nondescripts Cricket Club authorities for providing the ground and facilities at no cost and also the rotoractors, interactors members and friends who helped in making this a never to be forgotten event for the children.
Chairman and Community Service Director of the Rotary Club of Colombo West, Roshan Lyman, stated that considering the immense success of this event, there is no doubt that Dream Cricket will be made an annual feature in the Club’s calendar. He further said “seeing the smiles on the faces of the children and their enthusiasm for the game and their visible appreciation of this event made this one of the most rewarding experiences of his life.”
The Bradman Foundation is a non profit charitable trust was established in 1978 with the full support of the cricketing legend Sir Donald Bradman to promote the game as a cultural sporting force within the community.
The Movement Disorder Foundation (MFF) is committed to ‘free’ the untapped potential of the differently able. The Foundation also supports those patients who have mobility problems.
Dream Cricket was conceived by Doctor Ronald Bigg, after witnessing the positive transformation of differently able children who participated in American Miracle League Baseball. Not finding a similar movement in Australia, Dr Bigg, in association with the MDF, Rotary Club of Southern Highlands and the Bradman Foundation created Dream Cricket for the children. Activities include table cricket, batting drills, target throwing and bowl-offs. Activities of varying difficulty that ensures a wide range of differently able children to benefit and grown from the experience.
The objective of Dream Cricket is to maximise the sporting experience for differently able primary school students.
Dream Cricket a model for schools and communities to follow by arranging similar activities in their own areas and thereby raising the standard of citizenship and behaviour through education, exposure, discipline and enjoyment.
The Rotary Club of Colombo West is the second largest club in Rotary District 3220. The club was chartered in 1961 and has pioneered many large projects for the community. The club’s membership boasts of several illustrious members including two past District Governors of Rotary District 3220
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