WA Cricket is delighted to announce the expansion of its inclusive cricket programs for people with a disability, through the introduction of Belt Up Table Cricket.
In partnership with the WA Cricket Foundation and the Insurance Commission of Western Australia, the initiative will run alongside the Belt Up Integrated Cricket League (ICL), now in its seventh season.
Currently featuring five junior and 13 senior teams across the metro area, the ICL is a key part of the community cricket landscape. The community-focused program offers a modified format of cricket for people with a disability to join teams and participate in club life.
In a first for WA, Belt Up Table Cricket will provide an adapted version of cricket, played on a table tennis table and specially designed to give people with a disability the chance to play and compete.
Teams of six take it in turn to bowl or bat, with the bowler using a ramp to deliver the ball and fielders positioned at scoring zones around the table.
WA Cricket Inclusion and Diversity Specialist Jade Wyllie said the ICL is key to ensuring cricket is a sport for all.
“It’s incredibly exciting to see the ICL grow further through the introduction of Belt Up Table Cricket, to make sure even more Western Australians can access and enjoy our great game,” she said.
“It will be used at all-abilities carnivals throughout the metro area as well as introduced to education support schools in regional areas.
“We hope Belt Up Table Cricket can grow over the coming years to establish a carnival, like the current School Cup competition, where education support schools nominate school teams to play in a large table cricket competition.”
General Manager Governance and Stakeholder Relations at the Insurance Commission, Alison Wilson says involvement in cricket helps foster a sense of community.
“Being involved in sport brings the whole community together, and the more community engagement we can get through leagues like the Belt Up Integrated Cricket League, the more we can spread the simple, but important, message to remind everyone to put on their seat belts when they’re travelling in a vehicle,” she said.
“The ICL provides a connection to community for people of different abilities and those who may have been injured in a vehicle crash, so we’re really proud to be involved, while spreading the Belt Up message.”
Over the past four seasons, the Insurance Commission’s partnership with WA Cricket has provided more than $160,000 funding to the ICL through the provision of equipment, marquees, tablets, coaching aids, helmets, support staff and the ability to access grants.
