Veterans celebrate active runs on the board

Monday, 14 November 2016

• Seniors continue to stay active through cricket
• 11th Over 60s and 70s National Seniors Cricket Championships wraps up in Perth 

Sport and Recreation Minister Mia Davies has congratulated a contingent of senior cricketers, in Perth competing at the National Seniors Cricket Championships, for their commitment to the sport.

Held in Perth for the first time, 42 teams took part in the championships from November 5-10, making this the biggest tournament held by Seniors Cricket Australia.

Ms Davies said the competition, held during Seniors Week, had been embraced by many former competitive cricket players and active social players who had been able to continue to enjoy the game. 

"These people embody the ethos of keeping active for life and that fits perfectly with the Department of Sport and Recreation's mission of encouraging people of all ages and abilities to be active," she said.

"Veterans sport has given so many sport lovers the opportunity to compete at a community, national and international level, which provides these players with a wonderfully active lifestyle but also creates a strong community connection."

The Minister said when this cricket championship was coupled with the World Masters Athletics Championships which Perth recently hosted, there was little doubt that senior sports people could do amazing things.

The Liberal National Government, through the Department of Sport and Recreation, contributed $20,000 towards the 11th National Seniors Cricket Championships.

Since 2008, this Government has also invested more than $17 million in 199 community facility projects with a cricket component and contributed more than $3 million towards cricket programs, events and initiatives. 

Fact File

• SilverSport supports eligible seniors, 60 and over, to access funding to join local clubs in four pilot areas
• A $300,000 expansion of SilverSport was announced last week