Multicultural Ambassador Dee Brock shares all about National Backyard Cricket
- What is National Backyard Cricket?
National Backyard Cricket is a community event open to everyone of all ages to take time out with family and friends to play a game of cricket for a good cause. The funds raised from the initiative will go towards supporting regional country libraries in Australia and tertiary education projects in other cricket-playing nations.
Many of us have fond memories of playing cricket in our backyards, local park or neighbourhood. National Backyard Cricket is a great way to enjoy cricket this summer while making a difference by improving educational opportunities and quality for disadvantaged children in Australian and overseas. Australians can play their game of Backyard Cricket anytime over the summer in the lead-up to National Backyard Cricket Day on Sunday 6th February 2022.
- What is the most memorable experience you have of either playing or watching a cricket game?
Growing up we would visit extended family in Sri Lanka and one of my fondest memories is playing backyard cricket at my maternal and paternal grandparents homes in Panadura and Beliatta with my cousins and uncles.
My parents also allowed me to stay up to watch the 1996 World Cup Final between Sri Lanka and Australia. After years of political and civil unrest this gave reason for the small island nation to celebrate.
- There is a strong Indian and South Asian cricketing community in Australia. In what ways does cricket bring these communities together?
I am of Sri Lankan heritage and cricket has always been part of my life since I was a young child. From participating in backyard cricket games at family and friends homes both here in Australia and on holiday in Sri Lanka, to listening and contributing to discussions about the current state of Sri Lankan cricket amongst my dad and his friends.
Cricket particularly has been a unifying force in Sri Lanka that no matter your age, gender, ethnicity or political persuasion you are always united in your love of the game of cricket and supporting the national team whether they win or lose.
- National Backyard Cricket is raising funds. Who will be the beneficiaries?
Funds raised from National Backyard Cricket will support education for underprivileged children in regional Australia and other cricket-playing nations. In 2021, a total of $70,000 in funding grants raised was distributed to 54 Australian county libraries working with Friends of Libraries Australia (FOLA).
The LBW Trust, of which National Backyard Cricket is the fundraising arm, currently also supports 1,500 tertiary students to undertake university or vocational education via 11 NGOs in 8 cricket playing countries including India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa, Afghanistan and Indonesia. In 2021, Indian and Sri Lankan students were key recipients of the funds raised by National Backyard Cricket, and this was invaluable to support their education and relieve the pressure on their families facing the devastating impact of the pandemic.
By registering a game or donating at https://www.nationalbackyardcricket.com/, you can help National Backyard Cricket provide transformational educational opportunities for disadvantaged young men and women and give them a brighter future.
- What impact has the LBW Trust and National Backyard Cricket had on improving education in Australia and overseas?
The LBW Trust currently supports approximately 1500 tertiary students to undertake university or vocational education via 11 NGOs in 8 cricket playing countries; India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa, Afghanistan and Indonesia.
Specific projects are listed below:
Cape Town, South Africa
Providing support for students from disadvantaged backgrounds to enhance their talent in sport, while also providing the opportunity to obtain a tertiary education.
Odisha, India
Aiming to stimulate economic development in severely disadvantaged rural areas of Odisha, the program provides education fees and housing for students to pursue university education, as well as tuition fees and lifestyle coaching for students in vocational courses.
Bangalore, India
Transforming slum communities by providing education to employment programs. The programs offer financial assistance for education and skills training to prepare for employment and placement support.
Babati, Tanzania
Providing funding to assist with the building of the infrastructure and curriculum for the Mamire Teachers’ Training College, supporting students at the college and post-graduate interns awaiting job placement.
Kathmandu, Nepal
Operation of a Teacher Training College and an accredited tertiary institution which is able to educate over 150 students per year.
West Java, Indonesia
Supporting teacher training programs for Afghan refugee volunteer teachers in Indonesia. Graduate teachers then teach refugee children while they and their families await the long process of resettlement.
Across India
Giving a ‘second chance’ to out of school deprived youth through vocational training and life skills. Assisting them to earn a decent living and become an asset to society.
Sri Lanka
Providing support for students from poverty-stricken areas of Sri Lanka to enrol in University, receive mentoring, English language skills and support their transition into the workforce.
- As the Multicultural Ambassador for National Backyard Cricket, tell us how you will be promoting this excellent initiative.
I will be promoting this excellent initiative via my various social media platforms and work/social networks.
