Cricket volunteers toasted in National Volunteer Week

Volunteers form the backbone of cricket in Victoria and contribute an extraordinary number of hours each year to growing the game for all participants to enjoy.

Of the 12 award categories, Victoria had five finalists nominated:

Award	Nominee
Community Cricket Club of the Year	Edinburgh Cricket Club
Cricket Association of the Year	Melbourne All Abilities Cricket Association
Community Cricket Initiative of the Year	AAA Sports Ballarat
Community Ambassador of the Year	Sam Atukorala
Community Match Official of the Year	Chris Ive

Cricket Victoria congratulates Edinburgh Cricket Club and Sam Atukorala who took out their respective awards.

WINNER: Edinburgh Cricket Club (North Fitzroy)
After adopting a formal Diversity and Inclusion Strategy in 2017, Edinburgh Cricket Club are the benchmark in the promotion of diversity and leadership in community cricket. This is strongly demonstrated by the way the club celebrate, advocate and work in partnership with the local community to develop a diverse and inclusive environment.

WINNER:Sam Atukorala
Sam Atukorala is an ambassador for inter-cultural community harmony through introducing and promoting the game of cricket to young people new to Australia, especially girls from non-cricket playing nations, and a deserving winner of the Community Ambassador of the Year award.

The national event, which is in its second year and follows on from the Victorian ‘A Sport for All’ Awards held at the MCG on March 21, seeks to celebrate those that contribute to growth, diversity and inclusion in cricket throughout their respective state.

Hamish Jones