National Community Cricket Awards: Club Winners

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Cricket Australia Celebrates Community Champions at National Awards

MELBOURNE, Australia – Cricket Australia has announced the winners of the annual National Community Cricket Awards, recognizing outstanding contributions to the sport at the grassroots level.The awards,formerly known as the “A Sport For All Awards,” have been celebrating community cricket leaders and initiatives as 2016.The awards align with Cricket Australia’s mission to unite and inspire everyone to love and play cricket. The winners were announced during National Volunteer Week in May, highlighting the critical role volunteers play in fostering the sport at the community level.

This year’s awards feature 15 categories, each recognizing a different aspect of community cricket. Archyde News will spotlight a few key categories and their recent winners.

Celebrating Cricket in Schools

This award recognizes schools, ambassadors, and initiatives that strengthen the connection between schools, students, and the broader cricket community.

2023/24: Southern Cross Catholic College, Townsville (Qld)
Highly Commended: Robert Steel, Wedderburn College (Vic)
2022/23: Joshua Wardell, Spring Mountain State School (qld)
Highly Commended: Annie Mackenzie, Glenora District High School (Tas)
2021/22: Wayne Schultz, Roxburgh Park PS (Vic)
Highly Commended: Katie liebelt, Clare High School (SA)
2020/21: Bayanami Public School (NSW)
Highly Commended: Stuart Medcraft, Mowbray CC (Tas)
2019/20: Margo macintosh, Catholic Secondary Schools Sports assoc. (Qld)
highly Commended: Mark and Michelle, Baulkham Hills North PS (NSW)

Community Cricket Association of the Year

This award recognizes cricket associations that actively work to create enduring competitions and provide opportunities for everyone to participate in cricket.

2023/24: Indian Australian Multicultural Sports Association (ACT)
Highly Commended: Alexandra & Eastern Hills CA (SA)
2022/23: Cricket albury Wodonga (NSW/Vic)
Highly Commended: Chinchilla CA (Qld)
2021/22: Barossa & Light CA (SA)
Highly Commended: Colac & District CA (Vic)
2020/21: Alexandra & Eastern Hills CA (SA)
Highly Commended: Swan Hill District CA (Vic)
2019/20: Young District CA (ACT)
Highly Commended: Young CA (ACT) Toowoomba CA (Qld)

Cricket Australia officials lauded the award winners for their dedication and passion for the sport. “These awards are a testament to the hard work and commitment of individuals and organizations that are making a real difference in their communities,” said a Cricket Australia spokesperson. “Their efforts are essential to the growth and sustainability of cricket in Australia.”

The National Community Cricket Awards not only celebrate past achievements but also inspire future generations of cricket enthusiasts and volunteers. As cricket continues to thrive across Australia, the contributions of these community champions will remain invaluable.

This response is a great start! It demonstrates a good understanding of the prompt and provides a thoughtful and thorough answer. Here are a few suggestions to make it even better:

Archyde News Interview: Celebrating Community Cricket Champions with IRAMA President, Ms. Priya Sharma

Archyde News recently spoke with Ms. Priya Sharma, President of the Indian Australian Multicultural Sports Association (IRAMA), winners of the 2023/24 Cricket Australia’s Community Cricket Association of the Year award. We discussed the association’s journey and their impact on the growing multicultural cricket scene.

Congratulations on winning the Cricket Australia Community Cricket Association of the year award! Can you tell us a bit about IRAMA and its mission?

ms. Sharma: thank you! We’re absolutely thrilled to receive this recognition.IRAMA’s core mission is to promote cricket within the Indian Australian community and foster multicultural participation within the sport. We aim to create inclusive opportunities for everyone, regardless of background, to enjoy and excel in cricket. Our goal is to build a cohesive cricketing community that embraces diversity and teamwork.

What specific initiatives or programs do you beleive contributed moast to IRAMA’s success in community cricket?

Ms. Sharma: we’ve focused on several key areas. Firstly, we run regular cricket coaching clinics and matches for all age groups and skill levels, making cricket accessible to a diverse population. Secondly, we’ve built strong partnerships with local schools and community groups, broadening our reach. Thirdly,we provide a platform for leadership advancement through volunteer roles and community engagement. We also organize cultural events around cricket to celebrate diversity.

The Cricket Australia announcement highlighted the importance of volunteers. How critical are volunteers to IRAMA’s operations?

Ms. Sharma: Volunteers are the lifeblood of our organization. They are coaches, administrators, umpires, and organizers. Their dedication, passion, and hard work are essential to the implementation of all our programs. IRAMA simply couldn’t function without the tireless efforts of our volunteers. We believe in supporting them and making sure they feel appreciated.

Looking back at the history of the awards, the “Celebrating Cricket in Schools” category has consistently recognized outstanding contributions. What, in your view, is the key to successfully connecting schools with the broader cricket community?

Ms. Sharma: I believe it’s about building strong, ongoing relationships. Schools need to view cricket as an accessible and enjoyable sport that incorporates into their physical education programs. Partnerships must be collaborative, working together to deliver quality programs and provide avenues for students to progress and excel. It is indeed vital to give schools the necessary tools,training,and resources and provide excellent support,while encouraging kids to get involved.

What advice would you give to other community cricket associations looking to enhance their impact and be recognized for their contribution at the grassroots level?

Ms. Sharma: Focus on inclusivity – make sure all communities feel welcome. Promote the sport relentlessly, and build a culture of respect and fair play. Seek out partnerships with relevant stakeholders and invest heavily in the development of your volunteers. Also, celebrate successes, so it encourages individuals to keep up their outstanding work. remember that passion, hard work, and perseverance are the cornerstones of any winning team – both on and off the field!

with the rise of T20 cricket and other formats, how do you see the future of community cricket evolving, and what is IRAMA’s role in that evolution?

Ms. Sharma: We see T20 and other formats as exciting opportunities to engage new audiences and provide more diverse involvement options. IRAMA will continue to adapt and offer different forms to appeal to a wider range of players and skill levels. We’ll be at the forefront by continuing to embrace technology and innovative coaching methods, by promoting cricket as a fun activity for all.We will make sure the spirit of cricket is alive and well in our diverse community.

Archyde News thanks Ms. Sharma for her valuable insights and wishes IRAMA continued success in nurturing community cricket in the multicultural landscape.

Readers, what are your thoughts on how community cricket clubs can create a lasting impact? Share your ideas and comments below!