NCPD tops Special Olympics Cricket contest

In a spirit of friendly rivalry, a great time was had by all as athletes from five different special-needs schools, across the country, met to display their skills. With play underway in alternating weather- bands of sunshine and rain, some players at times skidded in the mud while others danced for joy in the rain.

The other participating schools were Lady Hochoy Home Penal (second place), Lady Hochoy Home South (third) plus Memisa Vocational Centre and Palmeras Learning Centre (both coming joint fourth). The event consisted of a march past, individual skills (namely batting, bowling and fielding, for which medals were later awarded) and several short matches, each of five or 10 overs. The event sought to cater for any particular disability of the youngsters including Down’s Syndrome, cerebral palsy, autism and intellectual disabilities, Newsday learnt from David Benjamin, vice chairman of the board of directors of the Special Olympics Trinidad and Tobago.

He said the aim of the round-robin event was to allow each team to participate in as many games as possible with other teams, as opposed to the goal of elimination.

In his welcome address Benjamin said five out of eight scheduled teams had attended. He thanked the sponsors Digicel, plus the sports coaches and schools who had all made the day possible. Benjamin said that Special Olympics Cricket is not a new things, but that years ago a West Indian Special Olympics Cricket Team had visited India, including one player present on Saturday (Michael Modeste), and also to China.

Digicel representative Diana Mathura thanked all who had volunteered to help at the event, and told the participants to have fun.

Digicel project officer for special needs, Anjaana Downs, told Newsday that it was a great day, weather included. “When you spend a little time with these athletes, you never want to leave,” she said.

Among the participants was Melissa Nanan from Lady Hochoy South, a very determined bowler who said she had also honed her skills by playing cricket at home with friends and family. Asked about the event, Nanan told Newsday, “It went good.”