Students at Cessnock Public School were the first in the area to take part in the Dream Cricket program, as part of a successful initiative operated by Rotary.
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Originally developed in the NSW Central Highlands as the result of a partnership between Rotary, the Bradman Foundation and Movement Disorder Foundation, Dream Cricket brings together children with a disability from years three to six.
The program allows the students to develop their hand-eye coordination, movement skills and balance in a team environment while at the same time enjoying sport.
Sessions were recently held at Cessnock, Nulkaba and Kurri Public Schools with help from Cessnock and Kurri Rotarians as well as representatives from the Dream Cricket board.
Cessnock students thoroughly enjoyed their session, which involved groups rotating around four specially adapted cricket-based activities.
Cessnock Rotarian Greg Bevan said that it was great to see the program reaching students in the Hunter area and that the smile on the kids’ faces said it all.
“Dream Cricket gives these students a shot to take part in a sport they wouldn’t normally get a chance to,” he said.
“We always get such an excellent response.
“This program gives them the chance to enjoy physical activity which develops their self-confidence, self-esteem, levels of behaviour and citizenship.
“Seeing what they get out of it makes it all worthwhile for us.”
More than 70 young people were involved in the clinics, with Cessnock and Nulkaba schools receiving cricket kits from the Rotary Club of Cessnock and Kurri Primary from the Rotary Club of Kurri.
Each kit is valued at $500 and contains the modified cricket equipment, meaning the children will be able to continue to develop their sporting skills.
