WATCHING A YOUNGSTER FALLING IN LOVE WITH THE GAME IS SOMETHING YOU WILL NEVER FORGET
In late October, Indigenous kids from around WA descended on the Swan Valley for the inaugural Kambarang Youth Carnival.
Over recent years there has been a lack of young Aboriginal players taking up the game at club level, so it was really special to watch them pick up the bat or ball – some for the very first time.
The two-day carnival featured boys and girls representing regions from the Mid-West, across to the Wheatbelt, down to the South West and as far north as Halls Head.
Previously there was no cricket pathway available to these kids, so we want to open up the sport to them in an accessible way which encourages them to have a go.
Presented by the WA Cricket Foundation, the event provides a new community participation and pathway program aimed at bringing together Aboriginal youth living in both metro and regional WA. The annual carnival promotes social inclusion, health and wellbeing – while providing pathways to the WA Aboriginal XI.
All cricket equipment was provided and no experience necessary, so everyone can have a crack!
At the conclusion of the carnival, the teams were given a really special opportunity. We travelled to Lilac Hill where the players stood alongside the stars of the WBBL in a barefoot circle ceremony acknowledging the traditional owners of the land, ahead of the Perth Scorchers match against the Sydney Sixers.
It was a moving end to a great weekend. Bring on next year!
– Adam Cockie, WA Cricket Project Officer – Aboriginal Cricket.
