19/12/05
One hand, one bounce. Six and out. Backyard cricket is what it’s all about!
Every summer, thousands of Australian families celebrate Christmas day with a hit of our most traditional of pastimes.
Sport and Recreation Minister John Bowler said backyard cricket had the power to bind communities together tighter than electrical tape wrapped around a tennis ball to produce that implausible swing.
“Backyard cricket is a massive part of our Australian culture and an ideal way to get a bit of exercise over the often indulgent Christmas calendar,” Mr Bowler said.
“Everyone has their own rules on how to play, but the most important rule of all is to make sure everybody has fun.”
The Minister has also urged parents this Christmas to give their children the gift of sport.
“Instead of the X-Box or Playstation computer games or the DVD player we have been nagged about for the past few months, Santa might think about leaving a basketball, a soccer ball or a cricket bat under the tree,” he said.
“Good habits start early in life and a little encouragement to get involved in a sporting activity can help our children develop invaluable social skills, as well as the obvious physical benefits at a time when childhood obesity rates are a growing concern.
“Anything that will get our children away from the television or computer screens and into more healthy pursuits can only be a good thing.”
Footnote: The Minister waives all responsibility for any broken windows that may occur as a result of backyard cricket this summer.
Minister's office: 9213 6500
