June 2003

Businesses on the ball for cricket week

Thirty-one local businesses were among sponsors of the Grampians Disability Country Week Cricket tournament that attracted teams from Stawell, Ararat, Horsham, Warracknabeal, Nhill, Maryborough, Bacchus Marsh and Melton.

About 100 people with an intellectual disability represented their towns during the tournament, held at Victoria Park, Ballarat.

The Department of Human Services’ Grampians Region, Events Ballarat, Ballarat University and Masterfoods Australia/New Zealand were major sponsors.

St Arnaud Magistrates Court sponsored the purchase of participatory medallions and other tournament trophies.

Supported by Carer’s Choice, visiting teams were accommodated at the Pax Hill Scout Camp.

The Grampians Disability Country Week Cricket tournament was first organised in 2001 through a partnership between Murdoch Community Services (St. Arnaud), Stawell Intertwine Services (Stawell), McGregor House (Ararat) and Karkana Support Services (Horsham).

Under the auspices of Cricket Victoria the competition aims to support the inclusion of people with an intellectual disability into community-based activities and promote their valued status.

The tournament comprises a series of cricket matches played in the limited over, one-day format.

All matches are played on community ovals and the teams represent their local towns rather than the agencies from which they receive a service.

Several Victorian (Bushrangers) cricketers launched the project in 2001 at the MCG.

The inaugural tournament was so popular it was expanded and this year substantial expansion incorporated Woodbine and West Wimmera (Warracknabeal/Nhill), Wattle Human Services (Maryborough), McCallum Disability Services (Ballarat) and Merrimu (Bacchus Marsh and Melton).

Project Patron this year was John Kennedy, legendary football player, coach and administrator.

Former champion Australian Test cricketer Paul Sheahan presented awards following the final.

Ballarat won this year’s tournament.

A concert for participants and parents preceded the competition and Coodabeen Greg Champion led a team of entertainers during the presentation ceremony at the end of the tournament.

The week’s events provided many opportunities for people to develop new friendships, experience interesting activities away from the cricket and promote sporting behaviour, team play and camaraderie.