Emerging cricket talent to shine in Nottingham

PA 235/09 With the Ashes firmly back in English hands, The University of Nottingham is hosting a major cricket tournament showcasing new and emerging talent in blind and visually impaired cricket. The Inter-County 9-a-side VI festival has been organised by the North Visually Impaired Cricket Board (NVICB) and Blind Cricket England and Wales (BECW). The event, held in association with Notts County Cricket Club, will be held at the University's Grove Farm Sports Fields on 12 and 13 September 2009. Cricket for visually impaired people is a fast growing sport played at all levels, including international level. Successes include the England team beating Australia in Sydney last year. Hannah Webber, The University of Nottingham's Disability Sport Officer said: "The University strongly believes in sports for all, whatever people's abilities, and this event is one we're proud to be involved in." Regional Development Manager for the NVICB, Ian Leather, said: "This is the first festival of its kind for new and emerging players and includes a representative team from current British Blind Sport, including cup holders, London Metro, who beat Essex at Edgbaston this year." Martyn Dobson, the Community Cricket Development Officer for Notts County Cricket Club, said: "This is a wonderful opportunity for those taking part to enjoy playing in a competitive environment. "We hope that we can also raise awareness in the VI community locally that there is a safe and exciting version of the game that they can play from grassroots to international level." Other counties represented include Sussex, Yorkshire, The North East, Lancashire/Cheshire.