Opening Ceremonies for Special Olympics International Cricket Cup Feature Exhibition Match Between Special Olympics Ambassadors Akshay Kumar and Wasim Akram Left-right: Special Olympics Asia Pacific Managing Director Troy Greisen; actor Diana Hayden; actor Akshay Kumar; a Special Olympics Bharat athlete; Pakistani cricket star Wasim Akram (rear); a Special Olympics Bharat athlete; actor Rahul Bose (front); and Indian cricket star Ajay Jayeda hold the Special Olympics "Flame of Hope." On 6 November in Mumbai, India, Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar and Pakistani cricket star Wasim Akram demonstrated their cricket skills in an exhibition match to kick off the first Special Olympics International Cricket Cup. The two celebrities, both Special Olympics Ambassadors, were joined in the match at the Mumbai Police Gymkhana by Indian cricket stars Ajay Jadeja, Sunil Gavaskar and Morad Ali Khan, Bollywood actor Rahul Bose and Special Olympics Asia Pacific Managing Director Troy Greisen. Bose lit the Special Olympics cauldron at the Opening Ceremonies, using the "Flame of Hope" that was haded from Akram to Kumar on 31 October at the Wagah border between Pakistan and India. Both Kumar and Akram have been actively involved with Special Olympics for a long time. Kumar has personally taken responsibility for raising awareness of the movement in India. The Cricket Cup, which serves as the official launch of cricket as a recognized Special Olympics sport, is a key element of that effort, attracting teams from Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and West Indies. Kumar also is determined to increase awareness of Special Olympics within the film industry. Exciting action at the exhibition cricket match featuring a host of celebrities from India and Pakistan. “It is a great pleasure for me to work with Special Olympics Bharat [India] to educate and build support toward the cause of people with intellectual disabilities," said Kumar. "I have never come across more dedicated athletes than them. They have immense enthusiasm and passion to play all kinds of sport, including cricket. I wish all the athletes good luck and request you and all the citizens of Mumbai to support them by being present at the matches over the next few days." He added, “This association underscores my faith in Special Olympics and its commitment to make the Special Olympics International Cricket Cup a bigger success each year.” Akram, former Captain of the Pakistani cricket team, said, “It is through endeavors such as these that we build hope and encouragement that more and more people come forward to extend their support to the cause of individuals with intellectual disabilities around the world. It's my pleasure and honor to be a part of the Special Olympic team. The moment when I handed over the 'Flame of Hope' to Akshay at the Wagah border will be one I will cherish forever.” He went on to say, “Playing with the Special Olympics athletes and friends from Bollywood and the cricketing world tells me that there is a ray of hope and compassion among people like us who can help in carrying this message forward.” Malcolm Speed, Chief Executive Officer of the International Cricket Council, said, “The ICC is committed to ensure that all people, regardless of their disability, have the opportunity to play the game. Special Olympics has played an important role in providing people with intellectual disabilities the chance to play sport and we hope the inaugural of this Special Olympics cricket event will provide an exciting opportunity for many of these athletes to take part in an international cricket tournament for the first time." Greisen, who has been with Special Olympics for more than 25 years, said, "Firstly I would like to thank India for extending their heartfelt support for this event. Presently there are as many as 190 million people with intellectual disabilities in the world, 31 million in India alone. Special Olympics has been able to reach 2.2 million athletes around the world, but we are always looking for new ways to add more participants to our team. By introducing cricket to Special Olympics, we are adding another way of reaching out to millions more athletes. The eight countries represented in this inaugural event represent the Special Olympics worldwide movement through their skill, courage and joy. " The Special Olympics International Cricket Cup was held 6-10 November in Mumbai. Matches were held at Cross Maidan and Parsi Gymkhana.      < Return to main International Cricket Cup page > page