Thunder Nation Cup a celebration of cricket, culture and community
A celebration of cricket, culture and community - the Thunder Nation Cup - will be played Sunday at The Kings School.
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An initiative created by the Sydney Thunder six-years ago to help promote unity and social cohesion in its culturally diverse region – the Thunder Nation Cup - has grown into a full-blown celebration of cricket, culture and community.
The HomeWorld Thunder Nation Cup will be played Sunday at The King’s School in North Parramatta, with teams consisting of Sydney-based expats from African Nations, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Fiji, India, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
Teams were selected after trials at suburban parks and indoor cricket centres throughout Sydney’s southwestern, western and northwestern districts.
The tournament allows players to not only celebrate the cultural ties they have to their former homelands by playing Australia’s national sport – cricket - but it has helped many forge friendships in their new home.
“When I came to Australia a few years back, I hardly knew anyone here,’’ said Ravi Adabala, who will represent the Indian community.
“Now I can proudly say that I’ve got a big, extended family and friends here. All the credit goes to cricket - cricket always unites people.”
Jonathan Robinson-Lees, Sydney Thunder’s Head of Community Impact and Foundation, said the competition uses cricket as a vehicle for inclusion and acceptance.
“Cricket is viewed as a platform to promote social cohesion and celebrate cultural diversity, and the Thunder Nation Cup is playing an important role in achieving that,” said Robinson-Lees.
“Through this initiative players have found a sense of belonging and friendships. There’s been examples of players being offered jobs through the network they’re able to establish by playing cricket.
“It also allows for an acceptance that other people who’ve moved to Australia are going through the same challenges as them. They realise they aren’t alone. We’re doing our bit to try and unite communities.”
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Trudi Busch, the Director of Marketing, Sponsorship and Community at HomeWorld, said her company supported the Thunder Nation Cup because its values extend beyond the cricket field.
Aaron Malouf, The King’s School Director of Development, said the school was happy to host an event that will be full of colour, great T20 cricket and cultural activities.