Active club grants grow gisborne’s all abilities junior cricket community

Mary-Anne Thomas MP visited Gardiner Reserve last Sunday to present awards to the 21 children who participated in the Gisborne Cricket Club All Abilities Junior Cricket Clinic over the summer.

The club secured a $8,477 VicHealth grant to run their All Abilities program over 6 sessions, with the funding providing specialised equipment, including a sensory time out zone marquee. Participants were also provided with a GCC uniform, ensuring everyone on the pitch felt a part of the team.

Gisborne Cricket Club paired each participant with members from their under 17s players and other club members, providing one on one coaching sessions and developing strong connections over the 6 weeks.

Organised by Scott Vernon, the Gisborne Junior Cricket All Abilities Program is one of the biggest in the Junior Grade across the State.

Last November, VicHealth announced $500,000 in new funding to support sports clubs across the Macedon electorate to create new opportunities to get less active Victorians playing sport and improve their health.

Quotes attributable to Mary-Anne Thomas
"Gisborne Cricket Club have really embraced the idea of inclusiveness, and I could tell by the smiles on the faces, that everyone, including the club members were richer for it."

"This kind of program is exactly what VicHealth’s Active Club grants are about, we want everyone to get active and embrace a healthy lifestyle, regardless of their age, gender or ability."