Young cricketers mingled with inspirational athletes on the iconic WACA Ground at the weekend in a special showcase of cricket as a sport for all.
Aspiring cricketers from diverse backgrounds including multicultural communities, cricketers with a disability, Aboriginal youth and young women were invited to a ‘Come and Try’ event on the iconic Ground.
Made possible with the support of the WA Cricket Foundation, participants had the opportunity to engage in a series of skills sessions and mini-games.
General Manager – Community Cricket Jo Davies said every Western Australian has a place in the game.
“There’s an option for every girl and boy to take their first steps in cricket, with entry level programs that are active, inclusive, and safe,” she said
“Your weekend won’t become a test match. For kids aged five to 10, our Woolworths Cricket Blast and Star Blast sessions run for just one hour, making cricket an accessible and engaging activity for every family.”
Participants had the opportunity to meet local athletes at the top of their game, including Perth Scorchers Taneale Peschel and Matt Kelly, paralympic swimming star Ben Popham OAM, National Intellectual Disability bowler Sean McGowan and Australia Blind bowler Michael Berg.
Berg was diagnosed at birth with retinitis pigmentosis, a rare genetic condition which makes cells in the retina break down slowly over time, causing vision loss. At the age of two, he began wearing glasses, and both his peripheral and night vision started declining the following year.
But he hasn’t allowed that – or anything else – to stop him.
Now 20, the towering bowler made his debut for the Australia Blind team at this year’s Commonwealth Bank International Cricket Inclusion Series in Brisbane, showcasing his all-round talent including the fielding prowess that led to his infamous nickname ‘Magic Mike’.
“It’s fantastic that there is now a standalone pathway for cricketers with a disability from primary school through to our WA representative sides, and on to the national teams,” he said.
“I hope I can inspire the next generation of young athletes to really give it a crack.
“The best thing about cricket is that it’s a true team sport. No one is left alone on the sidelines, you always have your mates around you whether you’re waiting to bat, or out in the field.”
Participants were also treated to a close-up look at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Trophy, as Perth prepares to host the global showpiece for the first time, with defending champions Australia playing under lights at Perth Stadium on Tuesday 25 October.
Nine international teams will be on display in Perth, including a blockbuster double-header that features India against South Africa in the night match on Sunday 30 October.
WA Cricket is committed to creating equal opportunity for every Western Australian to benefit from the sport we all love through the work of the WA Cricket Foundation.
