From Vision Loss to Triumph

Scott Jones, at the age of 30, believed his athletic career was over after being diagnosed with Stargardt disease, a condition that has reduced his vision to less than five per cent.

Eight years post-diagnosis, Jones discovered blind cricket, which provided him with a renewed sense of purpose and achievement.

"Individuals with disabilities often grapple with the grief and loss associated with their previous way of life," Jones shared. "Discovering blind cricket showed me that there are still many opportunities for success and involvement."

Jones's passion for the sport led him to captain the New South Wales (NSW) blind cricket team, where he secured several state championships.

Today, he dedicates his time to running clinics that teach blind cricket, and recently participated in an exhibition match in Bathurst. The event aimed to raise awareness about the sport among both visually impaired and sighted individuals. Sightless sportspeople enjoy inclusive game format featuring audible equipment

The adaptive version of cricket for visually impaired players utilizes specialized gear to create an accessible playing environment.

At the core of this modified sport is a unique ball containing internal bells or rattles that produce sound as it moves through the air.

Bowlers deliver the ball with an underarm throwing motion, allowing batters to track the approaching ball by following its distinctive noise.

This innovative adaptation enables participants with varying degrees of visual impairment to engage fully in a sport that traditionally relies heavily on sight.

In the heart of regional New South Wales, an inspiring initiative is taking place, bringing together individuals with varying degrees of visual impairment. The team comprises players with three distinct levels of vision loss, including four who are totally blind. The remaining members have less than 10 percent of their sight remaining.

For those who are completely blind, a runner assists them as they navigate between the wickets. Additionally, fielders rely on their teammates to guide them to the ball's location. This unique form of cricket not only showcases their skills but also highlights the potential for inclusivity in sports.

Despite the significant number of people living with blindness or vision impairment—over 450,000 in Australia, according to Vision Australia—only a small fraction, around three percent, actively participate in sports. NSW Blind Cricket President Mark Eschbank emphasized this point, noting the low engagement in sports among the blind community.

The exhibition match in Bathurst was a collaborative effort, organized by Mr. Jones, NSW Blind Cricket, and the advocacy group Social Futures. This event aims to break down barriers and encourage more visually impaired individuals to engage in sports, fostering a sense of community and empowerment.

Raising Awareness of Disabilities

In its second consecutive year, the city hosted an exhibition match designed to enhance awareness among those without visual impairments about the daily challenges faced by individuals with disabilities.

"The event helps people gain a deeper insight into the obstacles that visually impaired individuals encounter," explained Mr. Eschbank.

Over the last ten years, the organization has successfully conducted similar training initiatives in the Hunter and Central Coast regions.

Looking ahead, there are ambitious plans to extend these programs to more inland areas.

Engaging sighted participants plays a vital role in dismantling misconceptions about visual impairment, according to Mr. Jones.

"When people witness the remarkable skills and alternative approaches of visually impaired athletes, it transforms perceptions throughout our community," he explained.

"This awareness naturally fosters inclusion rather than separation, as people begin to recognize abilities rather than disabilities."

Local resident Tim Roberts, who does not have a visual impairment, participated in the match.

"You see the ball coming towards you underarm and think, 'This should be easy,' but then you take a swing and completely miss. It's surprisingly challenging," he shared.

Maree Jenner, a disability advocate, collaborates with Social Futures, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting individuals with disabilities.

Sport as an Equalizer

Sport became a powerful equalizer for Ms. Jenner,

who defied doubts about her participation in hockey due to her dwarfism.

“Being a defender showed me my value wasn’t tied to my height,” she reflected,

emphasizing how teamwork fostered her sense of belonging.

Her mother initially worried about safety risks,

but Ms. Jenner’s determination to compete alongside peers reshaped her childhood.

Meanwhile, coach Mr. Jones has spent years bridging gaps in regional communities,

hosting clinics that blend play with empathy-building for disabilities.

“Early exposure to diversity molds kinder futures,” he explained,

stressing how schools can seed lifelong inclusive mindsets.

For both advocate and athlete,

sport transcends physicality—it’s a classroom for compassion.

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