Page 13 - Just Better Care Possible Magazine - Issue 2

This summer marks the ninth season
of Blowfly Cricket. At the beginning of every season, the bats and stumps are dusted off and set up on the pitch at James Park in Hornsby, New South Wales. There is no scoring in these games, but everyone comes away a winner.
It was during an afternoon barbecue with friends one afternoon that Mark came up with the idea for Blowfly Cricket.
They were munching on burgers and salad, watching the kids play in the yard, when Mark’s friend began talking about how his son Jacob, who has autism, may have difficulty joining a team or playing sports.
He wanted to make sure his son felt comfortable and included, but knew it would take him longer to develop skills and his behaviour could present challenges.
Mark turned to him and said “Why don’t we create a new sport?”
In that moment, the idea for Blowfly Cricket was born. Blowfly Cricket is a type of modified cricket designed for children and young adults with autism or an intellectual disability that focuses
on skill building and development in a fun and supportive environment.
In short, Mark described it as a match of backyard cricket, with a few dozen more people involved.
It is open to all those aged between four and 24, with 17 sessions each season. Participants above the age of 16 can also apply for and complete coaching courses.
“Participants take a little longer to master the skills, but they work hard to get there,” Mark said.
“My inspiration was the dream of seeing Jacob and the rest of the Blowfly Cricket team run out onto the Sydney Cricket Ground.
“Through the program, I’ve seen our players do this four times now.”
Mark was also motivated by his own journey with a disability. About a year before starting the program,
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