Cricfest 2025 Where Empowering Dreams Hit a Six!
30th June 2025 :For the first time, two teams from The Ceylon School for the Deaf and Blind took the field alongside other athletes, breaking barriers and redefining what’s possible. These young players didn’t just participate, they owned the game, batting, bowling, and fielding with confidence, proving that talent knows no limits.
For many of these children, this was their first opportunity to play cricket in an indoor stadium which they considered a privilege most children with disabilities in Sri Lanka never experience due to limited facilities, accessibility challenges, and lack of guidance. Too often, they’re segregated from the community, but Cricfest broke those barriers, allowing them to shine alongside their peers.
The cheers, high-fives, and goosebump-worthy moments made one thing clear: this wasn’t just about cricket. It was about celebrating true inclusion and showing that when we create space for everyone, something magical happens.
Why Opportunities Like This Matter
In Sri Lanka:
- 8.7% of the population (1.6 million people) live with disabilities (UNPRPD Fund, 2024)
- 23.5% of children with disabilities (aged 5-14) are excluded from mainstream education ([DCS, 2012](www.unicef.org, n.d.)
- 55.4% of youth with disabilities (15-19) and 86% (20-24) are not engaged in education or vocational training (www.unicef.org, n.d.)
Without opportunities, talented children miss the chance to play, learn, and grow, just like their peers.
Our Contribution to Empower Dreams
1. Health
Supported 12,000+ children with early detection, rehabilitation, and assistive devices partnering with Ministries of Health.
2. Education
Developed an inclusive education curriculum, piloted in 15 schools with the Northern Province Education Ministry.
3. Vocational Skills & Employment
Introduced market-driven training in 12 vocational institutes, benefiting 750+ youth with disabilities annually with the Department of Social Services.
4. Economic Empowerment
Trained 850+ families in livelihood skills and provided seed funding for income generations.
5. Awareness & Leadership Development
Empowered 38,400+ persons with disabilities through leadership and awareness training, connecting them to national platforms like the National Forum for Women with Disabilities and the Disability Organizations Joint Front.
Future Focus
We’re expanding our efforts in:
- Inclusive education
- Green livelihoods & employment for youth with disabilities
- Political participation & social protection for persons with disabilities
Join Us! Let’s Hit Another Six for Inclusion.
Just like Cricfest 2025, we believe every child deserves a chance to dream, play, and thrive. We’re looking for partners, sponsors, and organizations who share our vision to create a more inclusive Sri Lanka where no child is left behind. To everyone who played, cheered, or supported, you walked away a winner.
We can’t wait for next year!
Reference
UNPRPD Fund (2024). SITUATIONAL ANALYSIS ON THE RIGHTS OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES IN SRI LANKA.
www.unicef.org. (n.d.). EVERY MIND. [online] Available at: https://www.unicef.org/srilanka/every-mind.
