Festival scores another success

The 11th annual Anglican Church Cricket Festival (ACCF) brought together more than 150 parishioners from churches across the Greater Toronto Area on July 11 at Creditview Sandalwood Park in Brampton for another memorable day of faith, fellowship and cricket.

Bishop Andrew Asbil was on hand to meet the teams and officially open the festival with a prayer and blessing. His presence set a warm tone for a day that has become a cherished tradition for many churches across the GTA.

The festival was also honoured by the presence of the Hon. Graham McGregor, MPP for Brampton North and Ontario’s Minister of Citizenship and Multiculturalism, who brought greetings from the Government of Ontario. Regional councillor Navjit Kaur Brar also attended and extended greetings on behalf of the City of Brampton.

Bishop Andrew Asbil, Judi Marshall, regional councillor Navjit Kaur Brar, Peter Marshall, the Rev. Edmund Laldin and Ranil Mendis, ODT gather for a photo.

Players greet each other before a match.

Bishop Andrew Asbil opens the festival with a prayer and blessing.

Players and spectators gather for opening remarks during the Anglican Church Cricket Festival.

Ranil Mendis, ODT and others are all smiles before a match.

While some matches featured exciting cricket from experienced players, many participants were introduced to the game for the very first time. That blend of competition, encouragement and fellowship continues to make the ACCF unique.

St. Thomas Orthodox Church, Toronto captured its first title, defeating the Church of South India, Toronto in the final.

One of the stories of the day was the remarkable debut of Miracle Church. Competing in the ACCF for the first time, the team advanced to the semifinals and gave eventual champions St. Thomas Orthodox its toughest test of the tournament in a closely contested match.

“My first ACCF tournament was a memorable experience,” said Michael Sampathkumar of Miracle Church. “It gave me the opportunity to enjoy competitive cricket while growing in fellowship and unity with brothers and sisters in Christ. I’m looking forward to participating again.”

Miracle Church’s memorable debut was also reflected in the presentation of the Ontario Schools Cricket Association Youth Spirit of Cricket awards. Deluthra Jebaraj received the girls’ award and Evans Herbert Gnanaraja received the boys’ award. Both were recognized for their enthusiasm, teamwork, fair play and gracious attitude throughout the day.

As the festival concluded, it once again reminded everyone why the ACCF continues to grow after 11 years. It remains a space for the Holy Spirit to work in the lives of young and old, churched and unchurched, skilled cricketers and enthusiastic amateurs alike.

A trophy and medals await the winners.

Players from the Church of South India and Miracle Church.

A young player closely follows the action.

A member of St. Jude, Bramalea North cheers on teammates.

Players from the Church of South India and St. Jude, Bramalea North during a match.

Players and spectators enjoy some shade during a match.