Surrey CCC celebrated National Refugee Week, in partnership with the Surrey Cricket Foundation, by inviting refugee cricketers living in south London to compete in a cricket tournament at the iconic Kia Oval.
Surrey Eagles from Croydon, Afghan United from Thornton Heath, and Snow Leopards from Dulwich headed down to Kennington during Refugee Week, which was observed from 17 to 23 June this year, for what proved to be a brilliant day out in the sun.
The three teams, which have received financial and/or operational support from the Surrey Cricket Foundation over the years, faced each other on the centre wicket, with Afghan United winning the competition against Surrey Eagles in a 15-over final.
Refugee Week celebrates the contributions, creativity, and resilience of refugees and people seeking sanctuary across the globe. An important objective of the annual festival is to bring people together and inspire them to have a deeper knowledge and understanding of what refugees and displaced people go through.
“We held our Refugee Cricket Week at The Kia Oval for the first time, in the middle of the National Refugee Week. We had three wonderful teams come down and take part in a cricket tournament here at The Kia Oval,” said Elliott Rousen, Equity Diversity and Inclusion Lead at Surrey Cricket.
“We welcomed a group of young adult refugees, predominantly from Afghanistan but from all corners of the Earth, who came together through the love of cricket,” continued Rousen. “At the Club, Surrey Cricket Foundation have engaged with them over a period of time, and that’s how we’ve come to know each other and how this day has come about.”
Speaking about the significance of celebrating Refugee Day at the Club, Rousen commented: “We understand the importance that cricket plays in a lot of people’s lives. It brings people together, provides a sense of purpose, and the opportunity to play out here at the Oval was incredible.”
On the experience of playing at The Kia Oval, one of the participants shared, “It’s like a dream come true, to be honest.” Their sentiment was echoed by another, “It’s my dream to come here and play cricket… I’m very happy with that,” before a third participant chipped in, “This day gives us a feeling of how the professionals play!”
Check out the video below to get a glimpse of how the day went.
