The 10th anniversary of the Anglican Church Cricket Festival was celebrated in true fellowship and a festive spirit on July 12 as more than 200 people from 10 churches across the GTA gathered at Creditview Sandalwood Park in Brampton for a joyful day of cricket, connection and community.
Bishop Kevin Robertson opened the festival with warm remarks and a prayer of thanksgiving. His presence set a tone of gratitude and celebration for what has become a cherished tradition of faith and fellowship.
Under a hot summer sky, players and spectators alike found refreshment not just in water and shade but in the camaraderie and energy that has defined the festival since its modest beginnings in 2016.
Westney Heights Baptist Church in Ajax, captained by Anand Natesan, successfully defended its title, defeating first-time entrants St. Thomas Orthodox Church, Toronto, in a thrilling final.
“We came as a new team, not knowing what to expect, but what we found was encouragement, unity and inspiration,” said Abhilash Pereira, captain of St. Thomas Orthodox. “Making it to the final was special. But more than that, we felt truly welcomed into a community that lives its faith through joy and sport.”
This year’s festival marked a milestone not just in longevity but in impact. For the first time, two Youth Spirit of Cricket Medals were awarded by the Ontario Schools Cricket Association, recognizing the positive energy and the spirit of cricket embodied by young players.
Irene Fadel of St. Thomas à Becket, Erin Mills South, received the girls’ medal, and Sean John of St. Thomas Orthodox Church, Toronto, was awarded in the boys’ category. Both were celebrated for their enthusiasm, teamwork and gracious attitude – hallmarks of the festival’s ethos.
The afternoon was further elevated by the presence of MPP Charmaine Williams, Ontario’s associate minister of women’s social and economic opportunity, who had just returned from an interprovincial conference yet still made time to attend the festival. A longtime supporter and parishioner of St. Joseph of Nazareth, Bramalea, Ms. Williams shared heartfelt words:
“This festival isn’t just about cricket – it’s about community, belonging and the powerful role faith plays in connecting people. Every year, I see lives touched by this event. It’s a reminder that joy and purpose can live side by side on the field.”
Teams represented St. Jude, Bramalea North, Holy Family, Heart Lake, St. Joseph of Nazareth, St. Thomas à Becket, St. Thomas Orthodox Church, CSI Toronto, St. Bede, Scarborough, Westney Baptist Church, St. James the Apostle, and the rebranded Bishop’s XI, formerly Clergy XI, led by Rev. Canon Dr. Stephen Fields.
Legendary Toronto cricket commentator Amaresh Rajaratnam brought the matches to life with his ball-by-ball narration, supported by expert scoring from Lucy Fields.
As the sun set on this special anniversary, the message was clear: the ACCF is more than a tournament – it’s a joyful witness to the Church’s power to unite through play, prayer and presence.
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