Cricket: Disability is not Inability, Ask Media XI as The Beasts Triumph in One Day Event
IDPD Day Results
Team Aces 51/7
Team Beasts 52/1
Beasts XI won by 9 wickets
Media XI 62/5
PWDs XI 62/4
Match Tied/Drawn
Disability is not Inability as many people might think, this again proved it’s self right when the People with Disability pulled out an amazing performance against the media best XI in an epic encounter held at Lugogo Cricket Oval on Friday 03rd December.
The Uganda Cricket Association decided to celebrate the International Day for People with Disability that is Celebrated every 3rd December with a marvelous day out at Lugogo and in their (PWDs) game against Media personnel ended in a draw. The media team captained by Bukedde TV’s Ramathan Kakooza set 62 runs in eight overs, the PWDs never skipped to force the game into a draw.
Team Beasts, who were captained by Player of the Day; Ali Waqar, who scored 34 runs off 14 balls and picked 2 wickets, took the match honours with a 9-wicket win.
Team Aces lost the toss and were asked to bat first; managing 51 runs in 10 overs. The Beasts were in ruthless form as they breezed down the victory line inside just 6 overs.
The epic day was graced by National Female Youth MP Phiona Nyamutoro and Kampala Lord Councillor Allan Mwesige watched on in disbelief basing on the skills put out by the PWDs on the day.
And soon after getting their souvenir national jerseys from Uganda Cricket Association (UCA) CEO Martin Ondeko, they two guests, took some quick lessons and showed off their perfect swings with some hits to the applause of the PWDs, Victoria Pearls players, Cricket Cranes stars, Members of the Fourth Estate and fraternity members that were in attendance.
“Greetings from KCCA. This re-emphasizes the notion that disability is not inability,” said Mwesige.
“Look at the skills you have exhibited here. You are very talented. I urge you to continue working on your skills to improve and become good players. I know UCA is planning many things for you and we shall support from our side as we always do in whichever way we can at the appropriate time,” Allan Mwesige added
Nyamutoro was particularly eager to know the game’s development plans and spread across the nation as well as promising to play her part that the game is recognised and funded by the government through the request of the parliamentarians.
“I would love to see this beautiful game played in Nebbi and Kapchwora because we can get natural athletes from those places,” said the beautiful legislator, who is also the first female youth MP from West Nile.
“This game has recently been making positive strides on the international scene. If it is taught to many others, we will be able to assemble stronger national teams and forthwith nurture global stars.
“I am from the NRM party but we all know that sports has no political alignments involved. Sport is our unifying factor and I am going to spearhead the struggle to ensure cricket is funded like other sports and that the PWDs are also well-facilitated.”
Nyamutoro’s remarks evoked a special applause from all as she proceeded to hand over medals to; first the runners up Team Aces and then the winners Team Beasts, who also received the glittering trophy.
The day climaxed with the cake cutting, the day moved on a theme; Leadership and participation of persons with disabilities towards an inclusive, accessible and sustainable post Covid-19 world.