Big hits and flying wickets were the order of the day at the recent 2019 GV Harmony Cup Invitational Cricket Carnival contested at Shepparton’s own Princess Park last week as around 80 participants from across the region converged for a day of fun and friendship over cricket.
Warm temperatures couldn’t deter participants from getting out and having a go in the new and improved round robin format of the event, with this years’ event being the biggest instalment yet with 7 teams battling it out for the prestigious ‘Harmony Cup’ trophy across a series of preliminary matches, followed by a final to decide the champions for 2019.
Valley Sport Project Officer Jarryd Cutler said that the day was by far the best in terms of performance and attendance in the events’ history “We’ve had 7 teams come along for this years’ event, which is far more than we have ever had in our previous editions. Over 75 participants is a great result for all involved and just goes to show how popular and great the sport of cricket is within disability circles in the GV.”
The event was once again championed by Connect GV and the Shepparton Youth Club United Cricket Club, with continued and ongoing support also provided by the Shepparton Ethnic Council, Shepparton Police, Intereach, Cricket Victoria, GV Water, SEDA College & the Rotary Club of Shepparton.
Cutler said: “Events like this just can’t happen without the support and buy-in that this years’ event has had from local organisations. It’s always great to work with them on these initiatives and do whatever we can to further sport and recreational opportunities for those with a disability in the region.”
“It was great to see teams here for the first time from Cobram and Numurkah, as well as our regulars from Shepparton. Aside from the great physical activity benefits and skills, there was a massive social aspect to the day as well which was great to see. The day was played in great spirits with lots of sportsmanship and encouragement which is what it’s all about”
Verney Road School were the winners of this years event, taking out the final against Connect GV Wallabies, although everyone came away a winner from a great experience with arms full of Melbourne Renegades giveaways and no doubt plenty of stories for weeks to come.
For more information regarding All Abilities programs in the GV, feel free to contact Valley Sport Project Officer Jarryd Cutler – jarryd@valleysport.net.au