The WA Cricket Foundation held its annual morning tea at the WACA Ground and attendees were treated to a panel where they heard from people directly impacted by the Foundation’s work within the community.
Alex Hayes, a cricketer with Autism, and his mother Sharlene, spoke of their experiences in the People with a Disability pillar and the support they have received.
Alex has progressed through the WA Cricket inclusion pathway and is now preparing to play at a senior level.
Sharlene said when Alex first started five years ago, he could not throw or catch a ball, and his participation in the Foundation supported pathway has seen him grow in leaps and bounds.
“Having that pathway is so crucial, and without the program I know Alex wouldn’t be where he is today,” she said.
“It’s not just kids, it’s the families as well being able to have a community and that support. It’s already challenging having a child with special needs, let alone trying to find sporting events and having that community and network to support you.
“With Autism, the social aspect of that is very difficult, but this is not the same Alex that we knew five years ago, so having that support network is crucial.”
Alex, who dreams of one day playing in the Inclusion Championships for Australia, had the opportunity at last year’s Perth Test to walk onto the ground during lunch at Optus Stadium on International Day of People with a Disability.
“It was probably one of the best experiences I’ve ever had,” he said.
WA Cricket players who attended the morning tea invited Alex to a training session in the afternoon where he honed his skills alongside his heroes.
All diversity and inclusion programs run through the WA Cricket Foundation are made possible through the generous support of our donors. To find out how you can get involved and help, click here.