City of Hobart backing Tasmania’s blind cricketers

Published on 30 November 2022

Dylan - cricket.jpg

Tasmania has a long, celebrated history in cricket but has never been represented on the national Blind Cricket Australia stage before – until now.

For the first time, Tasmania will be sending a team to the National Cricket Inclusion Championships in Brisbane next February, and the public are invited to come along and try out what it is like to play blind cricket as part of International Day of People with Disability (IDPwD).

David Hughes always loved cricket, but was forced to stop as his eyesight deteriorated. Now he will be the state’s inaugural Blind Cricket Tasmania captain.

“I am hoping that as this great concept grows young people who may have felt that a sporting dream they held may not be fulfilled can come to fruition and I hope I can help and inspire them in the future,” Mr Hughes sad.

“BCT is here for the long term and due to its professionalism and passion it has inspired me to keep striving through all the usual challenges as well as those which occur due to my eye condition."

Dylan Gangell (pictured left) is the team's youngest players, and one of its best.

The 18-year-old has always loved cricket and can now continue to chase his dream of one day playing for Australia.

For over a decade, the City of Hobart has been involved in hosting an event for International Day of People with Disability.

Each year the City of Hobart is committed to providing opportunities to connect with the community, activate public spaces, provide opportunities for skill development and strengthen our community through shared experiences.

The theme for IDPwD 2022 is 'Transformative solutions for inclusive development: the role of innovation in fuelling an accessible and equitable world'.

Hobart Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds said this was an important date on the calendar every year.

“We see Hobart as both inclusive and innovative so to bring these two together can only be a positive,” Cr Reynolds said.

“In the past year we’ve seen Hobart host an Ashes Test and matches from the T20 World Cup that will inspire the next generation of cricketers, and we want to give that inspiration and opportunity to all members of the community.”

On Saturday, December 3, the public can come and try blind cricket at Salamanca Lawns from 10am to 12pm.

Phillip Drury, chief executive officer of Inclusive Innovations Tasmania that established Blind Cricket Tasmania, said the public would get a real taste of what it was like to play blind cricket.

“We're really looking forward to welcoming the public to come and experience how blind and visually impaired people play cricket,” Mr Drury (pictured right) said.

“Sighted people can get involved by wearing the simulation glasses that reduce their sight to 10 per cent, which is what most B&VI players have.

“Or people can just enjoy interacting as they like, in what is a very accessible and inclusive sport."

Other events to celebrate International Day of People with Disability are:

Unlocking the Secrets to the City

Wednesday 30 November | 11 am - 12.45 pm A guided inclusive tour in partnership with Tours Around Tasmania departs Town Hall at 11 am and finishing up at Henry Jones Art Hotel at 12.45 pm on Wednesday 30 November. Fully inclusive and suitable for all ages. Bookings essential via Tours Around Tasmania.

Pop-up Market with live music at Mathers House

Wednesday 30 November | 10.30 am - 2.30 pm Candles, soaps, jewellery, art and local handmade products available for purchase. Come and support individual artists and community disability organisations.

Short Films showcased at The Loop

Monday 28 November to Monday 5 December Enjoy the work of creative film makers and performers.

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