The 2024 Goulburn Valley Harmony Cup has been declared a resounding success for all involved.
The all-abilities focused event was held on Wednesday at Deakin Reserve Shepparton, as 12 teams and about 140 participants took part in the round-robin cricket tournament.
The competition was designed with modified rules; for example, everyone batted in pairs for a maximum of two overs and each participant was given one over to bowl.
This allowed everyone to have an opportunity to play regardless of age, gender or ability.
Valley Sport project officer Heath Wharton was a key part of organising the day and said it was well supported by the Shepparton community.
“We had 12 teams, which was the most that we could accommodate for,” Wharton said.
“With the space that we had available at Deakin, we had teams from Wangaratta, Bendigo, Cobram, Shepparton and Echuca as well. Overall, it was a great day.
“Just seeing the smiles on everyone’s faces, from participants to volunteers, it really made it a great day; schools comment on it and they want to be involved next year as they can’t get enough of it.
“It’s great to provide people with a disability (an opportunity) to participate in sport which is quite often something that is limited in regional areas.
“Just a special thanks to the volunteers, Cricket Victoria, Shepparton Youth Club United Cricket Club, GV Water, GV Health, Shepparton council, SEDA Sports College, Shepparton Ethnic Council and Victoria Police (for assisting the event).”
Wharton said it was great seeing participants get excited and invested in the matches.
While the cricket tournament may be done, Wharton pointed to other sports that are on offer in the Goulburn Valley which cater to a wide range of abilities.
“We worked with the Shepparton Youth Club United Cricket Club and Cricket Victoria to deliver this one and then Valley Sport also organises an all-abilities football (and netball) carnival in September in Mooroopna,” he said.
“There are opportunities for people with a disability or all-ability athletes. I know Shepparton Netball Association does an all-abilities netball season that usually starts in March-April and it goes right through to September, I believe.
“Shepparton also has the GV Stars, which is a football opportunity, and then there are a couple of wheelchair basketball opportunities as well on Tuesday nights.”