ACH Group has become the first provider to pilot a table cricket trial at two of its aged care homes in Adelaide – ViTA at Daw Park and Perry Park at Port Noarlunga.
Invented by UK sports charity The Lord’s Taverners and run by the South Australian Cricket Association (SACA), the program is aimed at people whose mobility is limited, allowing them to enjoy the game – without the need to get on the pitch.
It’s played on a table tennis table or similar with side panels used for the boundary and fielders. The ‘batter’ uses a small wooden bat while a bowling ramp allows the bowler to aim the ball – and the residents at ViTA loved the first session.
Perry Park resident Audrey Hutchins is from a family of cricket tragics and says she loved the chance to come to the crease.
“I still like to watch the Test games; I’ve never found it boring,” she said.
ACH says they now hope to continue to offer the game in collaboration with other providers and organisations – howzat!