Differently-abled children have a Dream day

by Sajeewa Jayakody

The second phase of ‘Dream Cricket 2016’, organized by the Rotaract clubs, sponsored by the Rotary Club of Colombo West, was held at the Stanley Jansz Playground, Perahera Mawatha, Colombo 3 on Saturday.

Eighty-nine differently-abled children from a number of schools and orphanages in Colombo and suburbs took part in the event, which was

co-sponsored by the Rotaract Clubs of American National College, Colombo West National School of Business Management, University of Moratuwa and Alumni of University of Moratuwa.

Inspired by ‘Dream Cricket Australia’, Dream Cricket is a community service initiative carried out by the Rotary Club of Colombo West, in partnership with the Sir Donald Bradman Foundation and Movement Disorder Foundation in Australia.

At a typical Dream Cricket Day, differently abled children were given an opportunity to enjoy a day of cricket at a proper playground with cricket equipment especially designed for them. Dream Cricket improved their cricketing skills such as batting, bowling, catching and throwing, which in turn enhances their self-confidence, self esteem and motivation. The children, along with their parents and caregivers, enjoyed food, music, and dancing.The event concluded with an awards ceremony at which every child was gifted with a medal.

Speaking at the event Hasini Munasinghe, the chairperson of Rotaract Dream Cricket Committee stated, “We are grateful to the following homes for sending their children to Dream Cricket Day 2016: Chithra Lane School for the Special Child, Camilla School for the Mentally and Physically Retarded Children’s Trust, Madiwela Home, Rehabilitation Centre for the Communication Impaired (RCCI), and Merrill J Fernando Charitable Foundation, Moratuwa.”

“The children and their caregivers had an enjoyable day. As the organizers, my RDCC team and I were thrilled to see all the happy faces,” Munasinghe, whose passion is social service said.