The country’s biggest Indigenous cricket competition warps up in Central Australia

ABC NEWS (Australia)

The country’s biggest Indigenous cricket competition has wrapped up in Central Australia with some of Australia’s future superstars travelling to the red centre to take part. Now, in its 32nd year, what started as a match between two Territory teams has grown to a national tournament, attracting hundreds of participants.

Transcript

00:00Having a crack at an age-old sport in the heart of Australia.

00:08It's our first time here, that's why some of us don't know how to play properly.

00:14Players like Mahalia Hargreaves, who are new to the craze, are using the sport to make connections.

00:20It's good for us to understand each other and learning from each other as a woman,

00:26and to support each other to become strong, independent and to grow.

00:36From humble beginnings to a national championship,

00:39the annual Impaja Cup attracts indigenous cricketers from across the country.

00:45The best part I love about the Impaja Cup is you get to come back and spend time with your mates,

00:50because I do live in Victoria, but I come back to come and join them for the week.

00:56All ages and all abilities, this championship does not discriminate.

01:01It's a really great sport because it's really social and you can play with your friends.

01:06For some, the game is a form of therapy as well.

01:10Letting your anger out on a ball.

01:13It's hoped the competition will inspire the next generation of Aussie cricketers.

01:19To see an indigenous kid in the baggy green, it blows you away.

01:26Like we mentioned with Dan Christian and those blokes, it does, it gives you a buzz.

01:31We see the indigenous participation along with Cricket Australia as a really important step in growth.

01:38A beautiful game trying to score its runs in remote communities.

01:43What are we here for? Cricket!

01:46Having fun? Yes!

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