Targeted equipment support advances inclusive cricket development

Sports Director, Steve Ninvalle (extreme right) hands over gears to the Blind Cricket Association

The National Blind Cricket Association has received cricket equipment from the National Sports Commission, a move geared at easing long-standing challenges facing the development of the sport.

The equipment was handed over following discussions last week between the commission and national sports bodies, where the association raised concerns about limited access to specialised gear needed for training and competition.

Director of Sport Steve Ninvalle committed to addressing the issue during the meeting and later delivered the equipment to association officials Ganesh Singh and Leroy Phillips.

Singh said the gear would be shared among the association’s satellite groups and would support ongoing programmes across the country.

“The issue of equipment has always been a major hurdle for us, so to have it addressed so quickly is very encouraging,” Singh said.

He added that the support would help maintain training and development activities and expressed optimism about continued engagement with the commission.

Ninvalle said the commission’s meetings with sports associations are intended to identify shortcomings and provide practical assistance.

“Inclusion remains a cornerstone of our national sports development agenda,” Ninvalle said, describing blind cricket as an example of sport’s unifying role.