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Blind Cricket: an inclusive sport for everyone.
Playing Blind Cricket has opened up a world full of opportunity, friendship and connection for Guide Dogs Client, Hayley. However, the sport in NSW needs more attention, urges Hayley. She wants to get as many people involved in it as possible, so it becomes their source of connection and support.
When asked what her favourite thing about Blind Cricket is, Hayley responded, “personally, for me, what I love about it is the inclusivity. We are a family.” Being someone that is relatively new to experiencing low vision, Hayley continued working and getting on with her life. However, she found it extremely difficult to connect with others, leading to her becoming depressed. “I woke up one morning and my vision was going dark,” she says.
Upon a casual mentioning of the sport by her Exercise Physiologist, Hayley decided to attend a game and was instantly welcomed with open arms. She fell in love with the sport. “The point of the sport is that everyone just loves their cricket and they have fun, despite their difficulties,” says Hayley.
“Even now I still have some shaky days, but being able to do this and be part of a team is phenomenal. It’s really frustrating when I hear of so many people who are really isolated because of their disabilities,” she continues.
Blind Cricket involves an audible ball with metal washers and weights in it, and usually a sighted wicket keeper to act as a guide for the other players. To people who want to join Blind Cricket, Hayley says “it sounds scary, but it is so much fun! Try it and you will find you will enjoy yourself.” People of all ages and abilities can play in the mixed team, as children as young as 11 years old have had a go.
Email blindcricketnsw@gmail.com to learn more or get involved.
