THE wet pitch didn’t dampen the mood at this week’s All Abilities Cricket Carnival in Mildura.
Cricket enthusiasts with disabilities from far and wide were brought together by the event.
Mallee Sport Assembly project officer Lachlan Giles said the participants loved competing in friendly competition.
“There’s a lot of enthusiasm, and the guys are always keen to get out there,” he said.
“They have a lot of energy, and it’s a lot of fun, with people buzzing around between games, saying hello, and catching up, which is probably the best part about it.
“With a lot of the regular teams, there are a lot of friendships that are made since it’s probably the only time they get to see each other, when cricket happens.
“Most of the players out there are returning players, so they are all well known to each other and enjoy the chance to hang out and play a bit of cricket.”
Mr Giles had some concerns the matches weren’t going to be played due to the weather but said the players seemed to thrive in the tricky conditions.
“Other than the oval being a bit wet, all the games have been going really well and there have been good close games,” he said.
“A few of the guys love to slip and slide around.”
Mr Giles said the cricket carnival had established itself as a key event in the disability services sporting calendar.
“It’s been going on for over 10 years, and we went on break during COVID and during the floods,” he said.
“We have had a general interest across a few different agencies in playing cricket, and it just goes from there.”
The All Abilities Cricket Carnival is a joint project between Are-able, Mildura Rural City Council, Sunraysia Cricket Association, Mildura Settlers Cricket Club, and Cricket Victoria.
