Special Olympics Great Britain athletes from its Greater Manchester Club recently got to enjoy a cricket session from two stars of The Hundred thanks to Sure Nonstop Protection and its Breaking Limits Programme.
The session saw Manchester Originals batter Laura Wolvaardt and batting all-rounder Tom Lammonby work with the Lancashire Cricket Foundation, at South West Manchester Cricket Club, to deliver a training session inspired by The Hundred to 15 local athletes with intellectual disabilities.
“There’s such passion for the game here in Manchester and we had some very talented players involved in the session, said Tom Lammonby.
“Having spent time with the athletes today on the field, it’s been great to learn more about their journey, not just in cricket but more widely in sport with Special Olympics GB. It’s fantastic to see the great impact that sport can make.”
Many of the athletes in attendance regularly take part in the Lancashire Cricket Foundation’s Super 1s sessions, which run in partnership with Special Olympics GB. Taking place each week at community hubs in Bolton, Manchester, Rochdale, Salford and Wigan, Super 1s is designed to increase the levels of confidence, communication, leadership and independence for young disabled people, aged 12-25-years-old.
Special Olympics Greater Manchester athlete and spin bowler Alex Brooks, from Bolton. “I love cricket and play regularly through the Special Olympics Greater Manchester sessions with the Lancashire Cricket Foundation.
“As a Manchester Originals fan, it’s been amazing to meet Laura and Tom today and work with them on my cricket skills. I want to say a big thank you to them for visiting and congratulate them on a strong 2023 campaign.”
Sure Nonstop Protection’s Breaking Limits Programme is designed to help young people change their lives through movement and being more active.
Earlier this year Breaking Limits gave several athletes from Special Olympics Lincolnshire the opportunity to play at the home of former Premier League champions Chelsea Football Club. It has also supported the development of the new Special Olympics GB Sport Leader programme through its online training platform.