Julian Leeser MP, Federal Member for Berowra, today opened the Over 50s Cricket World Cup match between Canada and Sri Lanka at Pennant Hills Park.
Mr Leeser welcomed the teams, match officials, support staff as well as spectators to Pennant Hills Oval for the inaugural Over 50s World Cup.
“I would like to offer a warm welcome to our international guests who have travelled a very long way to compete in the first ever Over 50s World Cup,” said Mr Leeser.
“In Berowra there are 2,535 Sri Lankan Australian residents and 156 Canadian Australians. It’s wonderful to see these two teams coming together, in Australia, in my electorate,” said Mr Leeser.
“The competition that will take place today will be of the highest standard. I understand many players have played competitive club cricket, first class cricket and many have represented their county,” said Mr Leeser.
Mr Leeser acknowledged the record levels of growth in veteran cricket.
“Cricket for people aged over 50, is one of the fastest growing sports in Australia. In New South Wales, over 500 people play in Veterans Cricket competitions spanning the Over 50s, Over 60s and Over 70s age brackets.”
“This will require better facilities to accommodate a growing cricketing community. That’s why I was pleased to announce a significant investment at Greenway Park in my community to see $2.7 million invested into resurfacing the oval as well as club house renovations which are used by the West Pennant Hills Cricket Club.”
“I am also encouraging a conglomeration of teams in the Pennant Hills area to put a plan to all levels of government to further improve the sporting facilities at Pennant Hills Park,” said Mr Leeser.
