Cricket at Special Olympics 2013: From a fan's viewpoint

Australia were the hosts of the inaugural Special Olympics Asia Pacific Games

The competition structure was pretty simple – 2 matches a day – 3 countries (India, Bangladesh and Australia) – 4 teams (Australia had 2 teams) and a parallel competition for Unified Cricket with India and Bangladesh sending one Unified team each.

Bangladesh and India started off well, but it was the Australian team which was thrilled to bits with a historic moment happening before their game. Former Australian cricketer, Rick McKosker, who is also a great presence in the Newcastle cricketing circles, presented the legendary Baggy Green caps to the Australian cricketers. The presentation ceremony was not long, but the only words he spoke to them was inspiring to say the least. “You are now a part of a very special club.”

December 3:The dust was beginning to settle as far as the chaos of conducting a tournament was concerned. Far more organized we were as a group and things were starting to go smoothly. But few moments made each day special. A local school decided to watch cricket today, and the students packed the stadium grandstand. The volunteers, being knowledgeable about the game and its traditions, had a few students do a guard of honour for the athletes while they entered the ground. It was a simple gesture but gave immense pleasure and pride to both the students and the athletes alike.

Afternoon, Special Olympics CEO Janet Froetscher made a surprise visit to the Cricket and she made the day for athletes and volunteers. She interacted with us amidst trying to relate the differences between cricket and baseball.

Meanwhile at the competition, Bangladesh was beginning to stake their claim for gold medals both at the traditional as well as unified cricket.

December 4:It was declared as a ‘Rest day’ at the competition. Time for some paperwork to be completed and later on a drive around Newcastle.

We made a trip to the famous beaches to watch the sunset as the temperature began to decline.

December 5:International volunteers day! Thought it would be a good idea for all of the volunteers to indulge in a bit of fun. So a quick match was setup between the volunteers and the athletes.

The match, although competitive, epitomized social inclusion and fun.

We went to up-market Newcastle for a dinner hosted by the volunteers. The group had multiple nationalities but what unites them all is the common initiative of doing their bit towards the Special Olympics movement.

And as was the norm, we all went home after a very fulfilling day!

December 6:Last day of competition. While it spelt a relaxed day for the competition with the medals for all but confirmed, the athletes impressed one and all with the intent and passion. The whole competition was played in keeping with the spirit of the Special Olympics.

Bangladesh went home with the gold medals in Special and Unified Cricket, India bagged Silver in both competitions. The two Australian teams won the Bronze and the fourth place.

To top it, all athletes were ready to return home making innumerable friends and having won many a heart. It was truly their time to shine!