Celebrating the CWC

The summer saw success not only on the field but also off the field with numerous programs and initiatives engaging the wider community.

Introduced at the start of the season, Cricket Victoria worked with various local councils to develop ‘In2Sport’ programs around the state, with the aim of ensuring that cost is not barrier for participation.

“We would like to thank the Victorian State Government for their support and congratulate each council for their initiatives which have helped increase participation opportunities for junior cricketers,” Cricket Victoria Community Programs Coordinator Aaron Wharton said.

Throughout the season partnerships were formed with Brimbank City Council, City of Casey, Central Goldfields Shire Council, City of Greater Dandenong, Frankston City Council, Hume City Council, Maribyrnong City Council and Swan Hill Rural City Council.

Based on the Western Country’s annual camp in Donald, CWC regional camps were also held in Kerang, Nhill, Grampians, Maryborough, Colac, Strath Creek and Trafalgar over the September and October holidays to develop junior cricketers.

Young cricketers and families across Victoria basked in the CWC spirit with various carnivals and programs being held including the Melton Schools Mini Cricket World Cup, Manor Lakes’ Community CWC Event, Moonee Valley/Maribyrnong City Council Community Cup and the Box Hill Reporter District Cricket Association Season Launch.

The All Nations Social Cricket Program also allowed for social cricketers to enjoy playing the game with the competition being targeted at asylum seekers from a range of backgrounds including Bangladeshi, Sri Lankan, Afghani, Pakistani and Nepalese participants.

Prior to the CWC’s opening fixture on February 14, coaches were treated to a CWC coaching seminar where former Australian stars Michael Bevan and Damien Fleming were joined by Sri Lankan Test player Thilan Samaraweera and Bangladeshi international Aminul Islam to give an insight into their coaching philosophies.

Fans also enjoyed the CWC Trophy Tour prior to tournament with this year’s top-prize visiting areas such as Bendigo, Ballarat, Warrnambool, Geelong, Traralgon, Shepparton, Wodonga, Kinglake and St Kilda as well as enjoying the CWC Fanzone prior to all matches at the MCG.

Cricket Victoria would like to thank all volunteers who assisted in the running of these events as well as the Australian Cricket Association’s Kelly Applebee, Ray Bright, Karen Rolton, Phil O’Meara, Emma Kearney, Molly Strano, Elyse Villani, Jess Cameron, Julie Hunter and Kristen Beams for attending events.

“Volunteers are the lifeblood of our game and we acknowledge all those that contributed during the events, no matter how big or small,” Wharton said.