NZ Blindcaps announcement for T20 Blind Cricket World Cup

The NZBCA Board are excited to confirm the following players for the NZ Blindcaps T20 Blind Cricket World Cup Team to be hosted in India from 5 to 18 December 2022.

Similar to the 2017 T20 World Cup hosted by India, this event will be hosted across multiple cities in India, starting in New Delhi and concluding in Bangalore. As well as our NZ BLINDCAPS, there will be teams from Australia, Bangladesh, Nepal, Pakistan, South Africa, Sri Lanka and the host country, India.

Donna McCaskill, Team Manager – “It’s not very often we get to select a squad that includes at home reserves to allow for any changes in circumstance between now and the tour. To be able to not only do this but also have reserve players already preparing for the next tour in August 2023 is a huge step forward for Blind Cricket in New Zealand.”

“The tour will be self funded and therefore will heavily rely on any fundraising or charity donations we can get. We have had some great support in the past from a range of small donors and those donations add up in the pot when you’re talking out of pocket for players.”

2022 NZ BLINDCAPS

CARTER, Matt (B2 – Cape Town)

CRUICKSHANK, Jody (B2 – Invercargill)

DUNN, Deacan (B3 – Ashburton)

DUNN, James (B2 – Auckland)

EDGAR, Ming Ming (B1 – Dargaville)

FLOWERDAY, Mark (B3 – Christchurch)

HARRIS, Loren (B3 – Christchurch)

HEBERLEY, Cory (B2 – Queensland)

KASIM, Arun (B1 – Auckland)

McCASKILL, Donna (B3 – Ashburton)

McCASKILL, Marquele (B3 – Auckland)

PEARSE, Tamati (B1 – Auckland)

SCHWENKE, Jack (B2 – Auckland)

SHANKAR, Parveen (B1 – Auckland)

WELLS, Dennis (B1 – Blenhim)

WILLIAMSON, Gary (B1 – Auckland)

WILSON, Brett (B2 – Victoria)

From the players above, it is likely one person from each category will be named as a non-travelling reserve but this will be decided closer to the time of tour.

Congratulations to all players selected in the 2022 NZ BLINDCAPS team.


Find out more from NZ Blind Cricket Association INC: Facebook page



Introducing Helen and Jemma

There have been a couple of personnel changes for Blind Sport NZ (BSNZ) with Casey heading on paternity leave for 12 months. Helen Johnson has taken over Casey’s role of General Manager for just over 3 weeks and settling in, and also Jemma Drake, our Community & Programmes Lead who started with the team this week.

Head and shoulder picture of Helen

Helen’s background has been in the sport sector, working in High Performance with Paralympics New Zealand a number of years ago, having worked at the International Paralympic Committee as the IPC Athletics Sport Manager and also doing some consultancy work with NSO's before having a family and stepping out of the sector. Helen returns with a renewed energy and looking to build on existing partnerships BSNZ has as well as forge new opportunities in the months ahead.

“While there is plenty to get my head around, I can see huge potential to grow the organisation and have a great year. I look forward to meeting you, working with you or having a conversation with you in the coming months.”

Picture of Jemma's face

Jemma Drake joins us in a newly created role for BSNZ of Community and Programmes Lead. Jemma will be focused on promoting, developing and supporting key programmes, leading upskilling workshops, connecting the community with local clubs and opportunities, and the Accessible Sport Kits. Hailing originally from the UK, Jemma has always had a passion for sport and has been a long standing advocate for sport and inclusion. She has a wealth of knowledge and experience spanning over 14 years in leading sport programmes, event management, volunteering and from her previous role with Special Olympics New Zealand.

“I’m so excited to take on this new role, and provide more quality and sustainable opportunities for the Blind Sport NZ community. I look forward to forming new relationships with everyone and hope to see you at an event of programme in the near future!

To reach Helen or Jemma please contact us on:

helen@blindsport.kiwi jemma@blindsport.kiwi

022 528 8162 022 599 3961

Disability Swimming Inclusion fund

This new fund from Swimming New Zealand is designed for individuals with a disability aged 6 to 24 years old, who are wanting either learn how to swim or are early into their journey of learning to swim.

Swimming New Zealand encourage individuals to apply, so you lovely lot are prime candidates!

Please see the attached information document and fund application.

Funding info and application PDF


For more information, please feel free to contact Cameron Leslie: dsf@swimming.org.nz

4 young swimmers underwater in pool