Bathurst locals experienced cricket differently as the ‘Community All Stars’ took on the ‘Social Futures and NDIA’ side at Bathurst’s second annual Blind Cricket Community Challenge in April. The community event provided an opportunity for sighted players to wear experiential glasses that replicate different vision impairments, and bowl underarm using an audible ball, experiencing first-hand how activities can be adapted to include people with vision impairment.
Bathurst locals experienced cricket differently when the ‘Community All Stars’ took on the ‘Social Futures and NDIA’ side at Bathurst’s second annual Blind Cricket Community Challenge in April.
Organised by Social Futures, a National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) partner, in collaboration with Blind Sports and Recreation, the Blind Cricket Community Challenge offered people a chance to enjoy a sport relished worldwide while raising awareness of the importance of disability sports, giving community a chance to try blind cricket and get information about local disability sports and recreation.
Social Futures Community Development Coordinator and former captain of the New South Wales Blind Cricket Team, Scott Jones, said the inaugural Bathurst game last year was a great day for everyone involved, with representatives from organisations including Bathurst Regional Council, TAFE, Disability Advocacy, and NSW Police among those who joined the on-the-field fun alongside ABC Central West’s reporter Murray McCloskey.
Scott said, “The game last year was fantastic. The Community All Stars were keen as mustard, a lot of fun was had but there was a definite drive to win, and they took out the match with a lead of 10 runs, scoring 72 from 14 overs.”
“This year the Social Futures and NDIA side were on their toes and turned things around for a 58-37 win.”
“Players thought it was great, and some were surprised that it was more difficult than they thought it might be.”
The community event provides an opportunity for sighted players to wear experiential glasses that replicate different vision impairments, and bowl underarm using an audible ball, experiencing first-hand how activities can be adapted to include people with vision impairment.
Scott said, “Often people don’t realise that it takes significant skill when relying on senses that you don’t normally rely on. Our eyes do more than just see, they measure distance, inform our brain about safety, regulate light and help with depth perception.”
“Spatial awareness and balance are also impacted by our level of vision, and when you take the element of sight away and have to work with your other senses it becomes quite challenging.”
The fun got underway from 10am with the whole community invited to come along and kick things off at a come-and-try session where everyone was welcome to have a go at batting and bowling out on the pitch, followed by a free BBQ before the main event that afternoon.
Experts on hand to offer tips included the President of Blind Cricket NSW, Mark Eschbank.
Acknowledging benefits of the sport for visually impaired players, Mr Eschbank said, “Blind cricket provides a number of positive outcomes for our players including increased self-confidence and a feeling of being part of a team. A sense of purpose and belonging also contributes to positive mental health.
“The networking opportunities have also been able to assist many participants to improve employment prospects through their increased circle of community spirited contacts.”
Blind Cricket, like many other disability sports is a great way to connect with peers, meet new people and improve health and fitness.
Social Futures NDIS local area coordination services in NSW focus on helping individuals connect with the right resources. Social Futures works to remove barriers, making disability inclusion a reality. Initiatives including Pathways to Play, connect people with disability to inclusive and accessible sports and recreation opportunities where they live, through inclusion sporting games.
