Communities together through cricket

A TWENTY 20 cricket match will be played at Ballarat Grammar on Saturday, 29 February to raise funds for the Ballarat Health Services emergency department.

Coordinated by the Friends of India Network, the Ballarat Indians, the Lions, will play the Rest of Ballarat team, the Raiders from 10.30am.

FIN president, Dr Sanjay Sharma said the Lions, captained by GP, Ajay Reddy and the Raiders, led by physiotherapist, Matt Clark will be bringing their A-game and good sportsmanship.

“When we started this, we thought something that brings the Indians and non-Indians together is a love of cricket,” he said.

“We’re all into it and enjoy a good game. Both sides are really wanting to win… but our main aim is to bring the communities together.”

Dr Sharma said it’s the fourth year the match has been played at Ballarat Grammar within a fun environment.

“It’s almost like a picnic and we set up some nice entertainment, jumping castle, food trucks, coffee vans, and even a bar,” he laughed. “It’s a carnival atmosphere.”

Later in the evening, FIN will host their annual black-tie Gala Dinner at the Civic Hall, generating more funds for BHS emergency.

With a live band, DJ, photobooth, auctions and trivia, the evening is catered by Peter Ford, welcoming guests via red carpet from 6.30pm for a 7pm start.

One hundred per cent of all money raised will go to the cause.

“We do not keep a single cent,” Dr Sharma said.

Tickets begin at $155 and are available from stickytickets.com.au/4cbvq.