Central Coast community leaders and media personalities will don their whites and head out to the green on December 6 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 will play Social Futures (the not-for-profit and NDIS partner in the community) at Gosford’s Adcock Park, with community invited to watch.
Player registration will start at 11am with a community barbecue at noon and play to start at 1pm.
Former NSW Blind Cricket Captain Scott Jones, who is employed by Social Futures, last year led his side to victory.
“From memory, there was only a couple of runs in it last year – 65 runs to 61 – so I know the All Stars will be hungry for a win this year,” Jones said.
The match is organised to showcase blind cricket and promote disability sports.
Other disability sports on display will include AFL, soccer, cycling, golf, pickle ball and judo.
Seeing Eye Dog puppies will also be there to welcome the community.
“Another aim of the day is to build understanding of disability, inclusion and the benefits for people with a disability when they enjoy and play sport and connect with others,” Jones 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 will be instructors and players there on the day 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.
“There will also be a free community barbecue, so we are inviting people to come on down and be part of the day.”
In his role with Social Futures, Jones 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 co-ordinator email lac@socialfutures.org.au or call the hotline on 1800 522 679 (8.30am-4.30pm Monday to Friday).