Press Release:
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
National Female Youth MP Phiona Nyamutoro and Kampala Lord Councillor Allan Mwesige watched on in disbelief and immediately caught the bug as the People With Disabilities (PWDs) took to the oval and displayed silky cricket skills on the International Day For People With Disabilities (IDPD) at Lugogo Cricket Ground on Friday, December 3.
And soon after getting their souvenir national jerseys from Uganda Cricket Association (UCA) CEO Martin Ondeko, the 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.
Follow-up promises
"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," said Mwesige.
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 recognized 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 special applause from all as she proceeded to hand over medals to; first the runners-up Team Aces and then the winner's Team Beasts, who also received the glittering trophy.
Impressive Beasts
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 honors 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.
Perfect climax
The epic highlight and climax of the day were provided by the Media XI, who basked in glory as they shared the spoils with a star-studded select PWDs.
Captain Ramathan Kakooza's Media XI set 62 runs in the allotted 8 overs.
And despite coach Barbara Mukankusi's PWDS needing 13 runs to win from 3 overs at one stage, Media XI fought back to deny them the victory thanks to a gallant team effort from the journos.
The PWDs XI also ended on 62 runs after 8 overs and despite the draw, it was all about merry-making as the teams cut a cake and celebrated the big day played under the theme; Leadership and participation of persons with disabilities towards an inclusive, accessible and sustainable post-Covid-19 world.
