The ultimate accolade

In a further coup, Lucknow Cricket Club was also recognized for its development program with the indigenous community in Bairnsdale at the Community Sport and Recreation Awards. 

Last night, CV Chief Executive Officer Tony Dodemaide, accepted the VicHealth award for Community Development on behalf of the organization after being recognised for its Harmony in Cricket program.

Harmony in Cricket is CV’s well known philosophy which embodies all things diverse and strives to ensure that anyone with a love of cricket, no matter their ability, age, gender, or heritage, feel welcome to participate at all levels across the state.

The constant support of VicHealth and club volunteers has enabled Harmony in Cricket to create more opportunities for people from culturally diverse backgrounds to become involved in sport.

The continuous hard work of CV’s game development team and particularly, Wadington Mwayenga, has seen Harmony in Cricket influence change within all levels of cricket through the improvement of physical and mental health among participants and social connection within the cricket community.

“To receive this level of acknowledgement and recognition speaks volumes about CV’s team approach and commitment to embracing the Harmony in Cricket philosophy across all levels of cricket,” Mr Dodemaide said.

“Each award is the result of wonderful partnerships in the community that have been built up over many years to provide opportunities for the people to engage in our sport.

“Congratulations to all those staff involved, particularly Annie Hateley and Steph Newton, who drive our community cricket area.”

Along with the VicHealth award, CV also received the Disability Sport and Recreation initiative of the year for its disability pathway into cricket.

With relentless support from the Lord Taverners Victoria and the countless efforts from our dedicated volunteers, the Victorian All Abilities Cricket Carnival sees close to 200 participants with a disability play in the competition each year. 

However, it was the unveiling of the Victorian Vikings – the new name for the Victorian All Abilities Cricket Team – that saw disability cricket take a major step forward this year.

Caption: Cricket Victoria CEO Tony Dodemaide and Community Programs Officer Stephanie Newton at the VicHealth Awards. Story kindly provided by Sarah Carpinteri.