The conversations of life

Bowled over! Australia-first table cricket trial gives aged care residents the chance to beat the bat

0

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!

Perry Park resident John Cronin enjoys a turn at the bat.

Lauren is a journalist for villages.com.au, agedcare101 and The Donaldson Sisters. Growing up in a big family in small town communities, she has always had a love for the written word, joining her local library at the age of six months. With over eight years' experience in writing and editing, she is a keen follower of news and current affairs with a nose for a good story.


Leave A Reply