UNB, Dhaka :
Cricketers, coaches, officials, physiotherapists and other interested persons have been informed about cricket for the physically disabled at a seminar held in Sher-E-Bangla, Mirpur this week.
The first such event ever was organized by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in cooperation with the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), the British High Commission, and the England and Wales Cricket Board in Dhaka, said a press release on Sunday.
Addressing the participants in the seminar, HT Imam, Adviser to the Prime Minister, said: “I am pleased to see the engagement of Bangladesh Cricket Board with the unique endeavour of helping people lead a dignified life and be integrated in the community with respect and honour.”
He said sport can play a key role in the lives of people with disabilities. However, physically disabled people in Bangladesh have limited access to sports generally and especially to cricket, the most popular sport in the country.
“Cricket is an integral part of the Bangladeshi society and is a shining symbol of unity and pride. Therefore, physical or mental disability should never act as a barrier for pursuing the cricketing dream,” said Kazi Inam Ahmed, Director of Bangladesh Cricket Board and Chairman of BCB’s Marketing and Commercial Committee.
Christine Cipolla, head of the ICRC delegation in Bangladesh, presented the physical rehabilitation work carried out by the ICRC around the world.
She said that the ICRC, which encourages people with disabilities to participate actively in sports, works together with the Center for the Rehabilitation of the Paralyzed and more recently with the Bangladesh Cricket Board to help the disabled rebuild their lives with dignity.
Emily Summers, political officer of the British High Commission in Dhaka, said: “Disability cricket shows that everyone in society can enjoy the same activities and contribute in equal measure.
“I am delighted that the UK is helping those with disabilities, often among the poorest and most marginalised in Bangladesh, prove just what they can achieve when given the chance.”
After the seminar, the England and Wales Cricket Board will give a two-day disability awareness training course for coaches with the aim of creating the first-ever national cricket team for the physically disabled in Bangladesh.
The team is expected to draw attention to the plight of people with physical disabilities in the country.
“The England and Wales Cricket Board is delighted to lend its support to this exciting initiative,” said Ian Martin, the board’s head of cricket for the disabled. “Cricket is a sport that is easily adaptable to enable people with all types of disability to play the game in a way that is appropriate to them.”
