A Rotary program created to reach students of every ability level, the young cricketers threw tennis balls at sticky velcro targets, batted balls and bounced them off nets, and did their best to hit the stumps. Student helpers and local Rotarians chased balls, adjusted the parameters to fit ability levels and cheered them on.

Enthusiastic and excited, every child had the chance to shine. Smiles lit up faces and hands were thrown in the air with delight as wickets were made and targets hit.

“They get enjoyment out of achieving the littlest things, that we really tend to overlook most times,” Dream Cricket Australia chairman Don Stephens said.

“That’s why we do it, and that’s why we get such a kick out of doing it - seeing these kids with disabilities, who don’t get those opportunities have their day. A fun day for them.”

Established six years ago after an Australian doctor was inspired by American adaptations to baseball for children with disabilities, the program has travelled to Orange, Bathurst, Bowral, Mittagong, and is soon to be established in Darwin and Adelaide. It aims to build confidence and self esteem in children with disabilities.

“He set up the different activities and did a lot of research into how beneficial those activities might be,” Don said.

“Now it’s spread (and) we’re endeavouring to spread it further.”

After teaching the schools and Rotarians, Don hopes Dream Cricket will continue throughout the year, culminating in a combined schools sport day with medals and prizes.

“It’s a great initiative by the Rotary clubs of New South Wales,” Ross Hill assistant principal of special education Debbie Johns said. 

“It’s wonderful to see a community of schools together.” 

“We’ve got kids from Holy Trinity, both with disabilities and from the mainstream, as well as kids from Ross Hill with disabilities and kids from the mainstream, integrating together, working together through sport.”