SPORT has always been a great social connection tool. On the field, attitude and ability are what counts. Ethnicity, religion or language are largely irrelevant, and nothing creates friends out of strangers faster than the esprit de corps of a sports team.
For these reasons and more, the Ethnic Council of Shepparton will be hosting an ‘Introducing new migrant children to cricket’ session this Friday.
In a coup for Shepparton, the special guest for the session will be former captain of the Sri Lankan national cricket team, Tillakaratne Dilshan.
Dilshan, an innovative and exciting cricketer with skills in all aspects of the game, played 87 tests for Sri Lanka, in a career that included 16 test centuries, 22 ODI centuries and a T20 average of 28.19.
The session aims to introduce one of Australia’s favourite sports to Shepparton’s migrant children, especially between the ages of 9 and 12.
Ethnic Council of Shepparton strategic engagement coordinator, Sam Atukorala, said there was likely a lot of untapped cricketing talent among young people from newly arrived families.
“There’s no doubt about it, from clinics we’ve run in the past, it’s clear there are a lot of young, talented cricketers from many different backgrounds,” he said.
“Also, sport is a great connector. Getting involved in a local cricket club combats social isolation and leads to people engaging with the wider community. Kids play, parents volunteer, and friendships are made.”
The session will run on Friday, February 26 from 4.30 to 7pm at the Shepparton/Youth United Cricket Club at Princess Park. No pre-registration is required.
