Page 15 - Just Better Care Possible Magazine - Issue 2

Blowfly Cricket won
the New South Wales Volunteer of the Year Award 2015 for the Hornsby North Western region, and Mark was awarded Volunteer of the Year Award 2015 for the same region. In the state finals, he won the overall category for his work with Blowfly Cricket.
For more information about Blowfly Cricket, visit the club’s Facebook page www.facebook. com/blowflycricket/
“So I went up to him on the field in my wheelchair and said ‘Mate, Blowfly Cricket is the most important thing in my life. I love being involved, and I wouldn’t have it any other way’.
“As you can see, being in a wheelchair doesn’t stop me from getting involved, and I have just as much fun as everyone else.
“His dad rang me that night, and said “My son said ‘Isn’t it wonderful that we make Mark so happy’. Those are monumental moments. Those are the moments that make all of this worth it.
“I still have a wonderful life now with a disability, and it’s fantastic to be a role model to these kids and their families.”
Blowfly Cricket is structured to be inclusive for the players, as well as their family members. Participants don’t have to play cricket every week if they don’t feel like it, but can instead watch and cheer, socialise with friends, or help their parents with the barbecue.
“It’s a safe place; they can stop and have a drink or stop for a chat if they want to,” Mark explained.
“Through this program, I’ve seen kids say some of their first words, throw a ball for the first time, find confidence and achieve milestones.
“Life is all about the things we can make happen for other people,” Mark said.
One of the best parts, he said, is seeing the parents and other family members relaxed and taking a break.
“You’re not just helping one child, you’re opening up the experience to the whole family,” he said.
As for Jacob – the inspiration behind the program nine years ago – he still attends Blowfly Cricket every season.
“He lives on the south west side of Sydney, and they come up once a fortnight during the season.
“He calls me on the Tuesday night before a session and reminds me that he will be showing up that week. At this point, I’m not sure which one of us gets more excited.”
Possible
15