Sport with No Barriers

In conjunction with Red Cross, Life Without Barriers, MacKillop Family Services, Anglicare Victoria, Wesley Mission Victoria and Jesuit Social Services, Cricket Victoria will hold a T20 Blast carnival to give participants a taste of the game.

Members of Manningham, Elwood and Forrest Hill cricket clubs will participate as players, scorers and umpires throughout the day, providing a welcoming environment for the asylum seekers.

“We hope that this inspires the participants to take up sport as a mechanism through which they can maintain their physical and mental health,” Anglicare Victoria Case Worker Deng Riak said.

Along with engaging in cricket, participants will also receive the chance to share their stories, giving an insight into the hardships they have faced.

Aimed at creating a cohesive community atmosphere, the day allows for the asylum seekers to embrace the Australian culture and meet new people from their areas.

“This gives participants a chance to forget their hardships, connect with those in a similar situation and just be kids for a day,” Wesley Mission Victoria Cultural Support Worker Rameesh Kassim said.

The Principal Commissioner of the Commission for Children and Young People, Bernie Geary will also be in attendance on the day to present medals and show his support for the carnival.