Students from Orange, Molong and Cowra took part in the Dream Cricket activities that included bowling, batting and fielding, as well as a social cricket game overseen by former international umpire Darrell Hair.

Dream Cricket organiser and Rotary Club of Orange Daybreak member Murray Paterson said the day was run by Orange Rotary clubs and the Bradman Foundation, for children in years three to six with physical, mental or intellectual disabilities who did not usually participate in sports.

He said the Rotary clubs of Orange, Orange North, Calare and Orange Daybreak helped coordinate the event each year. 

“There are 120 students here and 30 are from Cowra and the rest are from Orange and Molong,” Mr Paterson said.

“The whole idea of it is that everybody can play cricket now and improve their skill and ability.”

The event has been running for three years in Orange. This year students  came from include Calare, Orange, Bletchington and Bowen public schools;  Anson Street School; Glenroi Heights Public School; Cowra Public School and Holman Place Public School at Cowra. 

Molong Central School also took part for the first time yesterday.

Deputy principal Jane Backhouse brought five students along to take part in the activities.

“It’s wonderful to see the children interacting with each other and improving as they go around,” she said.

Students from James Sheahan Catholic High School also helped teach the children cricket skills including throwing, catching and hitting the balls.

Among them was Olivia McClure, 16, who volunteered for the first time.

“I haven’t been before but it’s heaps fun,” she said.