Hampshire Cricketers Help Disabled Team Prepare For New Season

Hampshire Cricketers Help Disabled Team Prepare For New Season

The Bluebird Care Hampshire Disability Cricket Squads with Hampshire Royals' James Tomlinson and David Griffiths launching the 2011 season

Hampshire cricketers James Tomlinson and David Griffiths have taken part in a pre-season coaching session with the Hampshire Elite Disability Cricketers at The Rose Bowl. 

James and David put the Hampshire Disability Players through their paces ahead of the team’s first game against Essex on May 8th as their Hampshire team mates took part in their first day of the First XI’s friendly against Bradford/Leeds UCCE.

This season also brings a new sponsor to Disability Cricket in Hampshire – Hampshire based, Bluebird Care – the UK’s leading care at home provider. Bluebird Care has signed a deal to sponsor all Disability Cricket activities in the County for the 2011 season funding the provision of recreational and elite opportunities for over 1,000 cricketers with disabilities.

Jeff Levick, Chairman of Hampshire Cricket Board said: "The support of the Hampshire players is key in our delivery of Disability Cricket. They continue to play a vital part in raising the profile of Disability Cricket in Hampshire allowing us to drive up participation and further assist cricketers with learning, physical, hearing and visual impairments to get active within their local clubs. Today not only marks the start of the new season but also a new chapter in our history as we welcome Bluebird Care as official sponsors."

Phil Miles, Director of Bluebird Care West Berkshire & Basingstoke said: "Bluebird Care is delighted to be partnering with the Hampshire Disability Cricket players on such an innovative programme.

"Bluebird Care, cares for a number of children and adults with learning and physical disabilities across Hampshire and the UK and we are honoured to be able to help support the largest disability cricket programme in the country. We hope our partnership with Hampshire Disability Cricket will help gifted and talented players achieve their full potential regardless of disability – ultimately providing a cricketing future for all."