Cricket PNG Launches Disability Cricket

Cricket PNG has again showed why it is fast becoming PNG's leading sporting organisation, having recently launched its Disability Cricket Program in the Highlands region.

Proving the diversity of cricket, the program aims to improve the health of people living with disabilities through cricket.

The program is initially being trialled in the Highlands region, with 24 participants currently involved in the program in Goroka and Mt Hagen. The program has no age limitations and is available to people of all disabilities, regardless of ability.

Cricket PNG's Eastern Highlands Development team recently launched its disability program at Mt Sion school for the disabled. 12 students participated in the program, based on the very successful BSP School Kriket program. The program is designed for individuals with disabilities to learn modified skills of cricket in a supportive environment.

The Eastern Highlands program includes people with vision and hearing impairments, and aims to increase in size and diversity over its 8 week duration. Regional Cricket Manager Rupert Warigi believes it's only a matter of time until other sports follow suit, saying

"society's view and beliefs are changing, and disabilities are being more widely recognised, we are just ensuring people with disabilities have an equal opportunity to participate in cricket."

The Eastern Highlands development team was lucky enough to receive ongoing support from the Victorian Blind Cricket Association who has supplied the Province with specialised balls for vision impaired individuals as well as by laws and tips for the team.

Western Highlands Development team is also launching its program, with 12 participants so far registered. Amputees, paraplegic, vision and hearing impaired, as well as people with intellectual disabilities will be involved in the Western Highlands program.

Regional Cricket Manager Soman Gawo is excited about the upcoming program, saying

"We have been saying for a long time that cricket is a non discriminatory sport, and this program proves it."

Mr Gawo has also been surprised with the interest in the program.

"It has been great, we have had interest from a wide range of people looking to assist with the program and those wanting to participate."

The programs will serve as a trial for the rest of the country, with other centres around PNG expected to launch their Disability programs in 2012.