Over 100 learners from eight schools take part in the 7th edition of the festival, with a new Spirit Award introduced to celebrate sportsmanship and respect.
Cape Town, South Africa (20 April 2026) – Back at the iconic Newlands Cricket Ground, the 7th Table Cricket Festival once again turned the spotlight onto inclusion and pure sporting joy. Through Sporting Chance, over 100 learners from eight schools came together for a day that celebrated ability.
Hosted in collaboration with Lord’s Taverners South Africa and supported by partners including Western Province Cricket Club, Cricket South Africa and other community organisations, the festival continues to grow as one of the standout inclusive sporting events on the school calendar.
At the centre of this year’s edition was a special new addition, the “Table Cricket Spirit Award”. The award was introduced to recognise the heart of the competition: sportsmanship, respect and positivity, even in the most competitive moments. While runs were scored, the focus remained firmly on encouragement, teamwork and mutual respect across all participating schools.
Table Cricket itself offers a unique version of the game, played on a modified table tennis setup with adapted equipment, giving young athletes with disabilities the opportunity to experience cricket in a fully competitive environment. But as organisers highlighted, it’s about far more than just the game.
It provides a space for players to build confidence, improve physical and mental wellbeing, and connect with a wider community that celebrates participation at every level. The atmosphere at Newlands reflected exactly that and moments of real celebration shared across schools, coaches and supporters.
Organisers also paid tribute to educators, coaches and volunteers who ensure the initiative keeps growing, describing them as the backbone of the event.
With another successful festival now in the books, attention is already turning to the next edition.
Sources: Sporting Chance
Don’t ever miss the Good Things. Download the Good Things Guy App now on Apple or Google.
Do you have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook and Twitter to keep up to date with good news as it happens, or share your good news with us by clicking here or click the link below to listen to the Good Things Guy Podcast with Brent Lindeque – South Africa’s very own Good Things Guy. He’s on a mission to change what the world pays attention to, and he truly believes there’s good news around us. In the Good Things Guy podcast, you’ll meet these everyday heroes and hear their incredible stories:
Or catch an episode of Good Things with Brent Lindeque or our Weekly Top 5 below. The videos here are always changing, updated with the latest episodes from these two shows. Both are part of Good Things TV, created to bring South Africans balance at a time when the news can feel overwhelmingly negative. Our goal is simple: to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in our country – and to leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.
by 