The annual Blind Cricket Community Challenge at Bathurst's Cubis Park is on again! It brings together local leaders, services and organisations to promote inclusion through sport. Delivered by NDIS partner Social Futures in collaboration with Blind Sports and Recreation NSW, the event focuses on strengthening community connections while showcasing the value of accessible sport.
Bathurst will host the third annual Blind Cricket Community Challenge at Cubis Park on Wednesday this week, bringing together local leaders and organisations to champion inclusion through sport.
Organised by Social Futures, a National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) partner, in collaboration with Blind Sports and Recreation NSW, the event builds on strong local support and provides a focused opportunity for organisations to connect, collaborate and promote inclusive community outcomes.
Social Futures Community Development Coordinator and former NSW Blind Cricket captain Scott Jones said the event highlights the power of inclusive sport to bring people and organisations together.
“The Bathurst event has grown into an important platform for raising awareness and strengthening partnerships that support people with disability,” said Scott.
“The game creates a shared experience that helps people better understand the skills involved in blind cricket, and the importance of the role accessible sport plays more broadly,” he said.
“It’s a great opportunity for leaders and local services to build relationships and make new connections that can enhance support for people with disability.”
“By bringing stakeholders together on and off the field, we can build stronger sector connections that lead to more inclusive opportunities in our communities.”
Wahluu Health Aboriginal Corporation, Bathurst Community Corrections, and Bathurst Community Health Service are among those participating this year.
Experts including Blind Sports and Recreation NSW General Manager, Jason Stubbs, will be on hand to offer guidance and insight throughout the afternoon.
Mr Stubbs said blind cricket delivers wide-reaching benefits for visually impaired players both on and off the field.
“Accessible sports give players the chance to build confidence, connect with others and be part of a team in a meaningful way,” he said.
“It supports not just physical activity, but also mental wellbeing through a strong sense of belonging and shared purpose.”
The exhibition match will again feature a ‘Community All Stars’ side competing against a combined ‘Social Futures and NDIA’ team, following the closely contested game in 2025 where the Social Futures and NDIA side celebrated a 58-37 win.
Sighted players will wear experiential glasses that simulate different vision impairments and use an audible ball, highlighting the skill, adaptability and precision involved in blind cricket, and offering first-hand insight into how the game is played.
Social Futures provides NDIS local area coordination across regional NSW, supporting people with disability to connect with services and opportunities that strengthen capacity, inclusion and connection.
Accessible sports and recreation opportunities can be explored through Social Futures Pathways to Play initiative.
For tailored support to help find the services you need, phone 1800 522 679 or email [email protected]
