It was a picture-perfect spring Canberra day at Government House in Canberra for 'Games on the Greens' at Government House on Monday, 18 September.
Almost 500 children primary school children from Years 4–6 gathered for this backyard cricket event, with 17 individual grounds marked out on the stunning lawns of Government House. It's been dubbed the largest gathering of primary school children for a backyard cricket event in Australia.
The event was a collaboration of The LBW (Learning for a Better World) Trust, National Backyard Cricket, Friends of Libraries Australia and Cricket ACT, with Their Excellencies the Governor-General of Australia David Hurley and Mrs Hurley offering the lawns of Government House to host the event.
Games on the Greens is designed to share the joy of backyard cricket and showcase the fun and enjoyment that cricket brings. Cricket is also a vehicle to help empower others through sport. The LBW Trust partners with reputable and well-established NGOs and educational institutions in cricket-playing, developing nations. Learning for a Better World works to allow impoverished students the opportunity to receive a tertiary or vocational education. The LBW Trust is committed to making education accessible to all.
This event was also an opportunity to highlight the work of Friends of Libraries Australia.
This is the second 'Games on the Greens' event at Government House, with the September event doubling numbers from the previous event in March.
The Governor General even had a bat and bowl on the day, and our ACT Meteors helped out as match officials on many of the grounds.
Fun facts from the day:
- 480 children (plus teachers/carers) from 19 primary schools across Canberra
- 102 stumps
- 136 cones
- 45 balls
- 34 bats, and
- 34 bases used.
We look forward to organising another Games on the Greens event in 2024, which promises to be even bigger and better.
For more information about the work of the LBW Trust view the Trust's education video on YouTube.
Below: WIN News story that aired on the evening of the event along with photos from the day (thanks to Government House).