The Liverpool and Knotty Ash Signing Choir performed the national anthem ahead of the final Ashes Test, at the Kia Oval, in the latest part of the ECB’s initiative to use British Sign Language (BSL) at elite cricket fixtures for the first time this summer.
England Deaf cricketers Jake Oakes and Umesh Valjee have been Raising The Game as part of the campaign, which has reached across the Vitality Blast, the LV=Insurance Men’s and Metro bank Women’s Ashes Series’, and will also feature in this year’s Disability Premier League.
The launch saw big-screen announcements accompanied by BSL interpretations at the Vitality Blast. Working alongside men’s first-class players, Oakes and Valjee also filmed anti-discrimination videos that were shown at the fixtures.
Oakes, who made his England debut in 2016, said: “This has been an excellent development and marks the next step in accessibility and visibility across the sport.
“There are thousands of deaf people out there, some of whom will love cricket. It’s so important they feel seen and valued by the game they love.”
Valjee, a mainstay of the England Deaf side since the early 90s, added: “This is massive for the deaf community.
“We don’t have the same access to the entertainment as hearing people, because we miss information and announcements that come over the PA. This is a great first step and hopefully it will grow and grow and become more mainstream.”
Both Oakes and Valjee will also feature in big-screen graphics that will appear during this year’s Disability Premier League fixtures, taking place in August.
Chief Executive of Level Playing Field, Owain Davies, said: “We have been really pleased to see the introduction of BSL into the ECB’s matchday provision this summer and are excited to see them build on this in the coming years.
“The spotlight this has gained through the Ashes is not just a crucial measure of inclusion for disabled supporters in attendance, but important for the awareness raised across the wider crowds.
“Umesh points out what growth in this area would mean to the Deaf community. Having this service as a regular addition to the matchday will only further improve access and inclusion, enhancing the experience for so many fans.
“There have also been crucial developments in other areas of accessibility from the ECB this year, with the addition of changing places facilities at many venues.
“It is also encouraging to know that there is a desire to continue with these improvements.”
At the Men’s and Women’s Ashes, the Liverpool and Knotty Ash Signing Choir have also interpreted both the England and Australia national anthems, while supporting soprano Laura Wright at Edgbaston and Trent Bridge.
To find out more, or speak with people involved in this important provision, get in touch with Level Playing Field.