The Surrey Cricket Foundation’s annual Disability Day returned to The Kia Oval last week, bigger and better than ever before. Over 600 schoolchildren from Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) schools and departments across Surrey basked in the glorious sunshine as they participated in a day filled with inclusive activities.
This year’s event offered a wider range of experiences than ever. Alongside cricket-themed activities like batting, bowling, and fielding challenges with Googly Cricket, Visually Impaired Cricket, and wheelchair cricket, attendees enjoyed inflatable cricket games with Shoot4Goal, face painting, and even skateboarding. For those seeking a different kind of challenge, fun activities with Soul Fitness were also a big hit.
A highlight for many was the opportunity to explore the historic Kia Oval on tours specifically designed for all abilities. “The tours team at Surrey County Cricket Club did a fantastic job adapting their tours to be fully accessible,” said Sarah Lynch, Cricket Participation Manager at the Surrey Cricket Foundation.
“This was a new addition for this year, and it was fantastic to see so many groups taking advantage of the chance to go behind the scenes and even visit the newly erected Disability Cricket Honours Board in the Pavilion.”
The addition of the tours, along with the wide variety of activities, ensured there was something for everyone on the day. Fulham Football Foundation and Harlequins Rugby Foundation also joined the party, offering football and rugby taster sessions, creating a truly inclusive sporting experience.
“Disability Day is a cornerstone of our work at the Surrey Cricket Foundation,” says Chris Coleman, Director of Cricket Participation.
“We were delighted to welcome over 600 young people to The Kia Oval and witness the pure joy on their faces as they participated in all the activities. It’s incredibly rewarding to see our commitment to inclusivity come to life, and we hope this event inspires a love for cricket that will stay with them for years to come.”
