By Alistair Gray
With all the excitement of a major cricket match at the Gabba, two local ‘beep cricket’ teams were centre stage at the recent Mayor’s Inclusive Sports Day. The two teams played about two years ago, with the mayor keen to score a win, having been previously beaten by the Blind Bats cricket team. A lot was at stake as the teams played for the Moreton Bay Shield.
The Mayor’s XI, led by Mayor Peter Flannery, comprised a selection of local councillors, local council staff and guests. Opposing them was the All-Ability Bats cricket team, with players of unique ability and some volunteers who have no disability. Leading the Bats was Blind Bats Inc. president Paul Szep, himself blind and others with varying abilities. They were supported by local international cricket legend Ian Healy and Member for Longman Terry Young. The day was about having fun and inclusivity regardless of disability or ability. They sure had fun. After about two hours of play, the All-Ability Bats cricket team was declared the winner, scoring 9/92, with the Mayor’s XI all out for 43.
Beep cricket has its own set of rules. Played on a shorter green and smaller oval, bowlers' bowl underarm to ensure player safety and use an innovative beeping cricket ball, enabling players with impaired vision to hear the ball coming. The beep cricket ball is another City of Moreton Bay success story, invented by Paul Szep, designed and manufactured here in Queensland with massive international interest in the ball for cricket and other sports.
Held at the Devine Court Complex, the new home of Blind Bats Inc., the grounds were superb despite the dry conditions. Other sports played on the day included hockey, netball, soccer, softball and touch football. The Blind Bats Sports Club pulled the day together with the support of the City of Moreton Bay Council and many volunteers. The mayor acknowledged the club's hard work in getting the grounds in such great shape for the day and encouraged everyone to get involved.
“We want people of all abilities to be involved in our local communities because it is fair for people to have a go, to be included and inclusive. So, it is great to be able to support this,” he said.
