In a heartwarming and powerful act of unity, Northerns Goodwood Cricket Club has partnered with Casual Day Champion, Chadwin Duminy (27), to advocate for people with disabilities. This collaboration, timed for Casual Day, is more than just an event. It is a celebration of resilience, hope and the enduring strength of the human spirit.
Chadwin Duminy’s journey is a testament to the unbreakable power of perseverance. After suffering a traumatic brain injury in 2021, which left him unable to walk or speak, Duminy faced unimaginable challenges. His life was upended, requiring 24-hour assistance for even the most basic tasks. Yet, with unwavering support from his mother, Audrey Duminy, and countless hours of rehabilitation, Duminy embarked on a remarkable recovery journey. Step by step, word by word, he fought to regain his independence. Today, Duminy not only walks and speaks again, but also stands as a beacon of hope, championing the rights and potential of all people with disabilities. His story is a reminder that adversity does not define one, but one’s response does.
Inter Club Premier League
In honour of this cause the club will host its annual Inter Club Premier League (ICPL) Cricket Tournament from 28-29 September, where every team will wear the 2023 “Share A Smile” Casual Day caps. Teams such as the Knights, Bears, Mavericks, Cavaliers and Dragons will battle it out in a spirited 8-a-side round-robin competition, with the Mavericks defending their title for 2024.
Casual Day, conceptualised by the National Council of and for Persons with Disabilities (NCPD) in 1994, was born from a desire to raise both funds and awareness of people with disabilities, and was celebrated on Friday 6 September. Over the past 30 years this project has evolved into a symbol of inclusivity and hope, providing a platform for the stories and potential of persons with disabilities to be recognised. Yet it has also been a sobering reminder of the continued struggle for equality, as too many have had their rights overlooked and their presence unseen.
‘I see you’
The theme for Casual Day 2024, “I See You,” seeks to change that. It challenges society to look beyond the physical and see the true essence, worth and dignity of every person, especially those with disabilities. It’s a call to action, urging us all to acknowledge not only the challenges that people with disabilities face, but also the immense potential they hold. By building a future where everyone is seen, heard and valued we take steps toward a more inclusive and compassionate society.
For Northerns Goodwood Cricket Club, this cause hits close to home. With a registered deaf men’s cricket team and three deaf women on their women’s team, the club is proud to embody the spirit of inclusivity that Casual Day champions. Together with Chadwin Duminy, they stand united in support of a brighter, more inclusive future for all people with disabilities.
