GCB disability festival under way

The Gloucestershire Cricket Board disability cricket festivals began at the County Ground, Bristol, today with the first of the mild learning difficulties qualifying rounds.

Following last year's success, the GCB are running five disability cricket festivals in early 2011 for children with MLD and severe learning difficulties.

The winners and best runner-up from the three MLD festivals go through to the county finals day on February 4 while the SLD festival, a day earlier, is a one-off.

The county was also involved in disability coaching towards the end of last year.

From September to December 12 schools - in Cheltenham, Gloucester, Stroud, Tewkesbury, Bristol and South Gloucestershire - played cricket with over 160 pupils receiving coaching.

All of this disability work is supported by John Lewis, Cribbs Causeway and Sport England's sport unlimited programme. It enables the schools to receive coaching free of charge from high-quality coaches and then to actively enjoy fun festivals.

Chris Munden, disability development officer for the GCB, said: “This work just shows that cricket is available for everyone to participate in.

“This work is all about fun and enjoyment and thanks to our partners we are continuing to ensure that cricket can be reached by everyone.”