Mixed Ability Cricket was off to a flying start in early July with over 40 participants of all abilities and ages coming together for the second season at Baildon Cricket Club in West Yorkshire.
The partnership between national disability charity United Response, Baildon Cricket Club and International Mixed Ability Sport (IMAS) has reunited, helping people with and without disabilities come together.
This partnership brings together the aims of the IMAS Mixed Ability Manifesto and the United Response ‘Big Plan’. A long-term vision to create more united communities, resulting in opportunities for disabled people to take part, make choices and friends in their neighbourhoods.
All the players are challenged, but able to achieve a successful outcome by working as a team. Obaid Malik, returning from last year said: “Everyone joined in, we had a great time and I hit three sixes!”
IMAS Trainer Obaid Malik aiming for the boundary
Louise Richardson, Service Manager at United Response in Bradford, has been instrumental in creating this opportunity, she explained why it was so important: “With everyone participating in the sessions, it’s a great chance to see what the staff get out of it too, it reinforces our ethos of ‘doing with’ rather than ‘doing for’. It’s an environment where everyone feels valued and respected.”
IMAS Trainer and United Response Resident Anthony said, “I loved seeing everyone again, we learned new catching and batting skills”
Players and coaches from the Baildon club involved friends and family members in the warm up and games as the new season resumed.
Baildon volunteer Holly practices fielding skills with Obaid
Anyone interested in getting involved is welcome, with sessions running on a Tuesday evening until the end of August, no equipment or experience is necessary. Contact Lou Tel: 07583247118 Louise.Richardson@unitedresponse.org.uk
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