British Deputy High Commission Shines Spotlight On Sports Without Limits
Joydip Sur
The British Deputy High Commission Kolkata in collaboration with the Indo-British Scholars’ Association (IBSA), Rotary Club of Kolkata Metro City and Connections hosted an event to mark the International Day of Persons with Disabilities 2024 in their office on December 18, 2024.
The event focused on ‘Amplifying leadership in Disability Cricket’ brought together differently abled cricketers from the West Bengal Cricket Association for Differently Abled. The panel discussion shone the spotlight on harnessing the leadership potential of differently abled cricketers; celebrate inclusion, resilience and the power of sport.
Dr. Jane Powell, Performance Manager, Disability Cricket, England and Wales Cricket Board and Rob Tipping, Head of Cricket Programmes, Lord’s Taverners joined online from London and highlighted the various disability cricket initiatives that they have been undertaking to raise awareness of this game.
A panel discussion on ‘Amplifying the Leadership in Disability Cricket’ involved Dr. Andrew Fleming, Sarbani Bhattacharya, Ritushree Guha and Utpal Majumdar. The panel discussion moderated by Amit Sengupta shone the spotlight on the importance of accessibility in sports, breaking barriers and promote equal opportunities for people with disabilities.
Dr. Andrew Fleming, British Deputy High Commissioner to East and Northeast India said: “Aside from being good for one’s health, sport participation is an immensely powerful medium through which to develop many life skills. It should be available and accessible to all and this absolutely should include the differently abled community. In cricket, badminton, archery and more, India has seen stars emerge, some participants at our event among them. However, there is a long way to go to make sport truly accessible to all across the India and the wider world; we had an excellent discussion about what more can be done in this respect.”
Reetasri Ghosh, Vice-President, Indo-British Scholars’ Association said: “Disabled cricketers are truly redefining leadership on the field. From overcoming physical challenges to leading their teams to victory, these players are truly role models for everyone. Their dedication to the sport and their ability to inspire others is indeed commendable. Social responsibility is at the core of many of the activities of IBSA. We are delighted to be joining hands with British Deputy High Commission, Rotary and Connections to be recognising and spreading awareness about the importance of inclusivity in sports.”
Subhojit Roy, Rotary Club of Kolkata Metro City said: “Rotary is committed to breaking down barriers and fostering inclusion by supporting disability in sports. Through our initiatives, we empower athletes with disabilities to compete, thrive, and showcase their talents, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to participate in the joy of sport and experience the power of community.”
The Coach and players of the WBCADA were felicitated by mementos sponsored by Rotary Club of Kolkata Metro.
Reetasri Ghosh, Vice-President, IBSA handed over a cricket kit on behalf of IBSA to the coach and players of West Bengal Cricket Association for Differently Abled. The event also highlighted the ongoing corporate social responsibility efforts of IBSA and Rotary to provide resources and create a platform for people with disabilities, helping them to thrive and participate fully in society.