Media Release
Thursday 16 November, 2006
Blind Cricket Match - the challenge is on!
Playing against a team of blind guys and kids at a game of cricket should be easy. Right?
The long awaited Child Support Agency Vs VISACT Blind Cricket match is to be held on Sunday 19 November from 10am until 4pm—Kippax Cricket Field 2 (near West Belconnen Leagues Club—Hardwick Crescent, Holt)
The Child Support Agency has accepted an invitation from Vision Impaired Sport ACT (VISACT) Cricket to challenge an ACT representative side.
CSA General Manager Matt Miller is encouraging his staff to take up the challenge on the cricket pitch but says not to expect an easy time. "CSA is up against some tough competition including three Australian representatives but we plan on bringing our best possible team."
Nick Haydar is one of three ACT players selected to play in the Australian squad this December at the 3rd Blind Cricket World Cup in Pakistan.
Nick also happens to be a former CSA employee and is looking forward to testing some of his old colleagues on the field.
"As a newly established organisation VISACT Cricket prides itself on community development."
"It's also a terrific opportunity for the public to view the personal side of CSA's great staff. Please come out and experience something unique!" Nick said.
"The modern form of blind cricket is very similar to the traditional one-day game. The main difference is the ball, which is made of plastic and emits a sound. All bowling is performed underarm and the ball must bounce at least twice".
The ACT team plays against sighted opposition in keeping with the VISACT philosophy of integration and working to remove barriers and isolating influences of having limited vision.
The match is a unique opportunity to experience the game first hand, show support for young and not so young athletes with disabilities and wish ACT's three Australian representatives well before they head off to Pakistan for the World Series.
This is a fun, family friendly social event, and all are welcome to come and watch.
Media contact CSA: media@csa.gov.au or 02 6272 8369
Media contact VISACT Secretary: Garvin Francis 0403 595 681
Photo opportunities and interviews with spokespeople from CSA and VISACT Cricket are available in the lead up to the event or on the day.
