Cricket is a game loved across Australia, and thanks to a world-first innovation supported by a community grant from Pine Rivers Community Finance through Community Bank Samford, more Australians with a disability will now have the chance to experience Australia’s national sport.
Blind Bats Inc, a grassroots not-for-profit based in Morayfield, has pioneered the creation of a new beeping cricket ball, an essential piece of technology designed for players who are blind or have low vision.
Traditional balls used in the sport relied on internal bells or bearings to make a sound, but would go silent once motion stopped, creating challenges during gameplay. The new ball, invented by Blind Bats President Paul Szep, emits a continuous beep that allows players to track it by sound at all times.
With funding from Pine Rivers Community Finance through Community Bank Samford, Blind Bats was able to take the final step in a multi-year journey. The funding reduced the cost of production per ball, paving the way for the first 400 balls to be manufactured and distributed to cricket clubs across Australia.
“Community Bank Samford jumped on board when we needed it most,” said Paul. “The grant has enabled us to cross the finish line and take our prototype into production. These balls are already changing lives; people with disabilities are gaining confidence, becoming more active, and building friendships through team sport. We can now move to production and distribute more beeping balls to clubs across the country.”
Paul, who now lives with just 1% of his vision, has dedicated over 30 years to the development of this ball, supported every step of the way by his wife, Olga. Their passion has seen Blind Bats grow from a small initiative into a program supporting hundreds of Australians each year, including eight beep cricket teams across Moreton Bay.
“We’re proud to support the Beeping Cricket Balls initiative, an innovative, inclusive project that breaks down barriers, promotes equal participation, and brings people together through sport,” said Community Bank Samford’s Mandy Bell. Blind Bats’ long-term goal is to see beeping cricket balls used in every cricket club across Australia, and eventually everywhere cricket is played around the world. With support from the community and forward-thinking supporters like Community Bank Samford, a bit of Aussie ingenuity is becoming a reality. Howzat for community support?
Photo by Alessandro Bogliari on Unsplash
