Australia to promote female participation in cricket
2012-02-01
The Commonwealth Bank Southern Stars and New Zealand White Ferns joined the Governor-General, Her Excellency Ms Quentin Bryce AC CVO, at Admiralty House in a celebration of women's cricket.
Female MILO in2CRICKET participants joined the teams on the lawns of the Governor-General’s historic official Sydney residence – which had a cricket pitch mown into the lawn for the special occasion – on the eve of the women’s international cricket series between the two sides.
Cricket Australia Chief Executive James Sutherland said Cricket Australia is dedicated to encouraging young girls and women to participate in cricket and noted the importance of building the profile of the Commonwealth Bank Southern Stars as part of this goal.
'One of our key strategic initiatives is to grow the game of cricket, particularly among young women, and this new campaign highlights both the on- and off-field achievements of our talented Commonwealth Bank Southern Stars,' Mr Sutherland said.
"Together with Australian Government we not only want to promote the successes of the Southern Stars, but we are investing in the future of the game through our participation programs.'
The event coincides with the release of the first two of four short films about Commonwealth Bank Southern Stars players, produced by Jumpshot & Milkmoney, to support the Women's T20 INTL series against the New Zealand White Ferns and in turn promote female participation in cricket.
In the first, Captain Jodie Fields reveals her own inspirational battle to return to the crease and how it has made her even more proud and determined to be part of the team and play for Australia. In the second film, Ellyse Perry explains the depth of her motivation to be and play at her best.
Upcoming films feature motivated, versatile player Alyssa Healy and rising star Meg Lanning in the series created to specifically introduce these gutsy talented athletes to both the broader cricket and sporting community of players and fans, and provide an insight into what makes them tick.
Minister for Sport Mark Arbib said the Commonwealth Bank Southern Stars are supported by the Australian Government through the Women in Sport Media Grants program, which aims to increase the exposure and reach of women's sport in the Australian media.
The Southern Stars are one of Australia's most successful sporting teams. The Women in Sport Media Grants are all about promoting the team so we can hear more about their brilliant performances as they inspire other young women across Australia to play sport," Senator Arbib said.
