Celebrating differences through love for cricket

Tuesday, 29 April 2025 00:22 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Over 100 volunteers and participants at the first ever MJF Inclusive Cricket Carnival

National women’s cricket team joins Dilmah’s MJF Charitable Foundation for the first MJF Inclusive Cricket Carnival

This big match season, there was a different kind of cricketing event that took place last week at the MJF Charitable Foundation Centre in Moratuwa. The MJF Inclusive Cricket Carnival 2025 brought together camaraderie, healthy competition, winning and losing in a joyful atmosphere with diverse individuals building connections over the love for sport.

The first-time event, organised by Dilmah’s MJF Foundation, was attended by 101 children and youth with Down Syndrome and other developmental disabilities. In addition, 113 volunteers from Dilmah Ceylon Tea Company, MAS Holdings, organisations such as Samutthana and Mentour Psychology Placements, AYATI Trust, the universities of Kelaniya, Colombo, ICBT, General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University, UNISTEM and schools such as Gateway College, Holy Family Convent – Bambalapitiya, Lyceum and Asian International Schools, and the Little People Association participated. What made the carnival extra special was an appearance by the national women’s cricket team.

Empowering and supporting children with disabilities is a key pillar of the MJF Charitable Foundation. Since 2011, the MJF Charitable Foundation’s ‘Rainbow Program’ has empowered 3,500 toddlers, children and youth with education, vocational training, occupational, speech and psychological therapy, arts education and more. What makes the Rainbow Programme unique is the inclusive activities and initiatives introduced to integrate children of all ages, talents and abilities in activities, while respecting and understanding the sensitivities and developmental challenges they face.

Describing the successful event, MJF Centres Manager Rehana Wettasinghe said: “The inclusive cricket carnival was one of several ways in which the Foundation has curated memorable, inclusive initiatives for youth with disabilities and their peers. The event was not only a celebration of ability and sportsmanship, but an opportunity to better understand and bridge the gaps of awareness of developmental disorders, creating inclusive spaces for everyone.”

The MJF Inclusive Cricket Carnival 2025 was followed by the People’s Market – a marketplace event organised to support and empower budding small businesses and rising entrepreneurs.

The MJF Inclusive Cricket Carnival and People’s Market are two of several initiatives by the MJF Charitable Foundation as part of their commitment towards empowering and supporting low income communities, children and adults with disabilities and the larger community through entrepreneurship, education and healthcare. At least 15% of pre-tax profits from the MJF Group are directed towards supporting humanitarian and conservation efforts in line with the Dilmah Founder’s vision: “To Make The World A Better Tea”.

Proud MJF Foundation beneficiary gears up at the crease, proving that passion for cricket knows no boundaries

Beneficiaries of the Rainbow Program and Ayati Trust welcoming the national women's team

Sri Lanka Women's Team being welcomed by a student of the Rainbow Program

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