The annual Blind Cricket Community Challenge is on at Gosford’s Adcock Park on Wednesday 26 November, celebrating Social Inclusion Week and International Day of People with Disability (IDPwD). Hosted by NDIS partner Social Futures and supported by Blind Sports and Recreation NSW / ACT, there will be information available about local disability sports and inclusive recreational activities, as well as a free BBQ and fun activities for the Central Coast community.
A talented line-up of Central Coast community leaders and local personalities are once again gearing up for a friendly but fierce showdown in this year’s Blind Cricket Community Challenge at Gosford’s Adcock Park on Wednesday 26 November, celebrating Social Inclusion Week (22-30 November) and also International Day of People with Disability (IDPwD) on 3 December.
Hosted by NDIS partner Social Futures, the event is supported by Blind Sports and Recreation NSW / ACT and shines a light on adaptive sports while promoting awareness, acceptance and understanding of the 1 in 5 Australians with disability.
Former captain of the NSW Blind Cricket Team, now Social Futures Community Development Coordinator Scott Jones, said as the community challenge enters its fourth year, it has become a highlight of the IDPwD event calendar.
“Blind cricket is great fun and it’s a learning experience for everyone who takes part,” said Scott.
“Sighted players wear vision-simulation glasses that mimic different types of visual impairment, and bowl underarm with an audible ball that helps everyone track its movement across the field.
“The All Stars have edged ahead two games to one, hanging on by a tight 10-run victory last year.
“This time each team will nominate one person to wear total block out glasses for one over, representing the B1 vision impairment category of no or minimal sight. B1 players will get three runs for every one run scored.”
Each side will be captained by a professional athlete from Blind Cricket Australia. Shaun Fitzpatrick (Australian men’s vice captain) and Mark Eschbank (NSW batsman) will share their expertise and passion for inclusive sport.
The community is invited to come along and enjoy a free BBQ lunch prior to the game starting at 1pm. There will be information available about local disability sports and inclusive recreational activities. The team from Central Coast Bicycle Users Group will also be onsite providing accessible bike rides.
The Blind Cricket Experience is a free initiative being delivered by Social Futures to schools on the Central Coast.
Social Futures is a proud NDIS partner providing local area coordination services for people with disability across regional NSW.
To learn more about how Social Futures can support you or your school visit www.socialfutures.org.au, call 1800 522 679 or email [email protected]
