MULTICULTURAL CRICKET PROJECT
Official research shows cricket is Australia's No.1 sport, and Queensland Cricket is wholly committed to keeping it that way.
QC has a strong cricket pathway from the introductory to elite levels, and is acutely conscious of making it a game for all Australians.
It has a number of programs to encourage and foster children and people from non-traditional cricket backgrounds in the game.
The Multicultural Cricket Project has been incorporated in a number of schools since 2003. This program was initially set up in conjunction with the Department of Immigration and "Living in Harmony" program to assist in the education and prevention of racism.
It involves cricket activities for young children aged seven to 10 years.
The program received a major boost in 2009 with Lifetime Financial coming on board as the sponsor of the program.
Lifetime Financial has shown much enthusiasm for the project and representatives have visited schools to see the program in action.
Cricket Australia's Milo in2CRICKET development program, formerly known as Milo Have-A-Go, is used as the tool to ensure that the school, local cricket club, children, and parents of the school children involved in the program all interact harmoniously.
"Cricket for all Australians" is the slogan used in conjunction with this project.
The program uses cricket as a medium to help break down barriers of prejudice, cultural ignorance and racism.
The Multicultural Project establishes in2CRICKET Centres in areas with a high population of people from ethnic backgrounds and children and parents who have little experience with the game are encouraged to sign-up.
Centres tend to be based at schools and promoted to students through the principal and teaching staff.
The five-week program attracts 240 children on average each year.
Children who participate receive a cricket bat, ball, shirt and hat and other give-away items. Parents are encouraged to join the local cricket club and attend coach education courses.
For more information about the Multicultural Program, please contact specialist programs coordinator Nev Paulsen on 3281 2300 or special programs support officer Heather Wilkins on 3292 3110.
