6th January 2016 Scope makes cricket-loving 5 year old’s dream come true with the Melbourne Renegades 5 year-old Srihan Gandra dreams of playing on the sporting grounds of Melbourne and smashing a six. Like most other Aussie kids, Srihan spends his summers watching cricket obsessively and mimicking the bowling of his favourite players in his living room. Taking to the field has been more difficult for Srihan as he was born with a developmental delay. On Wednesday January 11th, Srihan’s dream of playing cricket at the MCG will come true when his favourite players from the Melbourne Renegades, Brad Hogg and Peter Nevill will train him one-on-one at the MARS Net Training Session. Leading disability service provider Scope has organised for 11 people, including Srihan, who live with profound disability to learn how to bat, bowl and catch at the personalised training session with the Melbourne Renegades. MARS Australia, the Melbourne Renegades principal partner, is sponsoring the event and providing snacks on the day to keep everyone going throughout the session. MARS Chocolate Australia’s Marketing Director Matt Graham said “Partnering for community development is a critical success factor in any sponsorship agreement we enter into. The opportunity to join forces with a sporting team to give back to the community is fantastic, especially one as family focused, team orientated and exciting as the Renegades.” Scope General Manager of Product, Brand and Marketing Sam McOrist said ‘For people with disabilities, it can be difficult to participate in sports. These difficulties range from limited transport options, inaccessible sites and facilities, and costs’. ‘Scope commends the fantastic opportunity the Melbourne Renegades have made to make Big Bash cricket inclusive to the people we support.’ The Melbourne Renegades says the session is only a small part of their commitment to making Big Bash League accessible to people of all abilities. “We’re proud to support Scope this BBL season. As a club we’re all about providing a great experience for new audiences to enjoy the best of Big Bash cricket and our work with Scope allows to deliver on that,” Renegades CEO Stuart Coventry said. For Srihan, this once in a lifetime opportunity is more than he’s ever dreamed of. ‘All the big, famous cricketers all play at the MCG and Etihad Stadium and now I am too. I’m so happy. This is the best,’ said Srihan, grinning from ear to ear. Page 1 of 2 When: Wednesday January 11th, 8:45am-10:30am Where: Melbourne Cricket Ground, Brunton Ave, Richmond, 3002. - ends- About Scope Scope’s mission is to enable each person to live as an empowered and equal citizen. We support people with physical, intellectual and multiple disabilities and developmental delays to achieve their goals. Across Victoria, Scope provides services to over 6,000 people with a disability across more than 100 service locations. Scope also works with corporate and community organisations to improve inclusiveness for people with a disability. Scope’s foundations stretch back to 1948, when a group of parents who wanted better lives and options for their children with disabilities established the Spastic Children’s Society of Victoria. Scope acknowledges the support of the Victorian Government. For media enquires please contact: Ai-Lin Chang Media Relations Coordinator Scope T: 03 9843 2086 E: [email protected] www.scopevic.org.au Page 2 of 2 .