Photo Credit: Melbourne Stars
Lucky schools across the Mornington Peninsula, Gippsland and North East Victoria were treated with visits from the Melbourne Stars’ best and brightest earlier this month, with players participating in a virtual “State Blitz” ahead of a big summer of cricket.
With physical visits cancelled due to the current COVID-19 lockdowns throughout Victoria, the “Stars State Blitz” saw WBBL and BBL players virtually visit classrooms and living rooms across regional Victoria, connecting with more than 750 students.
To help launch Play Cricket Month, the likes of Hilton Cartwright, Elyse Villani, Glenn Maxwell and Meg Lanning taught eager students fun at-home cricket activities that can be completed in the current absence of community sport. Students were also given the opportunity to ask their cricketing idols questions with some students even shedding tears of excitement when given the opportunity.
Stars and Australian captain Meg Lanning said she thoroughly enjoyed the virtual visit alongside BBL player Seb Gotch.
“We were really looking forward to hitting the road and seeing the beaming smiles of so many kids in person, however, to see them virtually was just as great.
“The last year or so have meant so many young kids have been starved of opportunities to play community sport – fingers crossed this summer we can get as many kids as possible out there playing cricket to bring back the joy that local sport provides.
“Cricket is a sport for everyone and Play Cricket Month is a great opportunity to give it cricket a go and more importantly have fun!”
Photo Credit: Cricket.com AU
After having to push back the Stars State Blitz program in hope of performing the visits in person, Melbourne Stars Interim General Manager Blair Crouch said he was delighted to virtually connect back to regional communities and put a smile on the face of so many kids.
“It has been a tough time for everyone over the last 18 months and we wanted to make sure we continued to connect with regional Victoria and continue to promote participation at local level.
“Cricket is such a great tool to connect with family and friends and to continue to provide the opportunity for children to connect with elite cricketers is what the Melbourne Stars are all about.
“With Play Cricket Month just around the corner we are excited to see as many communities get involved in any way possible and play cricket!”
The Stars State Blitz was part of the launch for Play Cricket Month, which will take place throughout September. Play Cricket Month is all about getting involved at local Clubs and highlighting some of the inspiring stories within the Victorian cricketing community.
Find your local program here: play.cricket.com.au
