Central Coast community leaders and media personalities again donned whites and headed out onto the green for a game of blind cricket to celebrate International Day of People with Disability and raise awareness of disability sports. The Coast’s Community All-Stars team played Social Futures, the NDIS partner in the community, on Wednesday, December 6 in Gosford’s Adcock Park.
Central Coast community leaders and media personalities have donned whites for a game of blind cricket to acknowledge International Day of People with Disability and raise awareness of disability sports.
The Coast’s Community All-Stars team played Social Futures, the NDIS partner in the community, on Wednesday, December 6 in Gosford’s Adcock Park.
Former New South Wales Blind Cricket Captain, Scott Jones, employed by Social Futures, led his side but they were defeated 69 to 82 by the All Stars.
The All Stars were led by Shaun Fitzpatrick, current captain of the NSW Blind Cricket side, and their line-up included Police District Inspector Ben Campbell and Chief Inspector Helen Dean, along with the Australian Guide Dogs senior puppy trainer Mark Jackman.
The match was organised to showcase blind cricket and promote disability sports. Other disability sports on display included AFL, soccer, cycling, golf, pickle ball and judo. Seeing-eye-dog puppies were also there to welcome the community.
“Another aim of the day was to build understanding of disability, inclusion and the benefits for people with a disability when they enjoy and play sport and connect with others,” Scott said.
“Blind cricket is just like normal cricket but a plastic ball is filled with ball bearings so players can hear it coming and it’s bowled underarm. Also, players without vision impairment wear experiential glasses that attempt to replicate the different vision impairments.
“There was instructors and players there to explain how the sports are modified to allow people with disability to play, improve their fitness, and of course to make new friends – because that’s what we love to do in Australia.”
In his role with Social Futures, Scott delivers blind cricket sessions to Central Coast schools.
“These sessions are great fun because the students try a new sport, and with the experiential glasses they find it challenging and we talk about the important role sport can have for people with disability,” he said.
“Making sure people with disability are included in the community is everyone’s job. A big thank you to the community members coming along to play in the second annual Central Coast community blind cricket match.”
To talk to a NDIS local area coordinator – email [email protected] or call our LAC Hotline on 1800 522 679 (Mon-Fri 8:30am – 4:30pm).