Sixes are a star attraction of good T20 cricket. Far more than eyes-closed slogging, big hits showcase the refined skill, power and timing of batsmen at the top of their games. Yes, they bring excitement and spectacle, crowd catches and fireworks, but above all, sixes are game changing. One well-timed blow can turn a match, or even a season.
This season at the Thunder, we are proud to say that our sixes are game changing in a very different way. To help level the playing field of global education, the Sydney Thunder has partnered with the LBW Trust in a new initiative called Batting for Change. The LBW (Learning for a Better World) Trust is a Sydney-based charity that supports education for people from disadvantaged backgrounds in developing cricket-playing nations. As well as sponsoring over 750 students through tertiary education, the Trust are currently raising funds to build a year 11 and 12 campus at the Heartland School in Kathmandu, Nepal.
This is where Batting for Change comes in. This summer, Thunder supporters are invited to pledge a small amount of money for every six we hit towards the LBW Trust’s school-building project in Nepal. The more sixes we hit, the more money is raised. The Thunder players kick-started the pledging process with their personal donations, and then we turned it over to the fans.
Thanks to the generosity of the Thunder Nation, we are pleased to say that we have already achieved a total pledge of over $750 for EVERY Thunder six!
Click here to see the latest pledge total.
We have hit 17 sixes in four games so far (my favourite was Hussey’s soaring stroke over extra cover off Zampa, how about you?), which means over $12,000 raised! This is an excellent start and a mighty effort. However, we need your help to reach our target pledge of $1000 per six so that we can build three much-needed classrooms. It is amazing to think that our small change can change people’s lives; even a pledge of $1 or $2 per six will go a long way in Nepal. Get some skin in the game and help support a great cause this summer. Check out the short video then visit the Batting for Change webpage to join the list of Six Smashers. All donations are greatly appreciated.
Let’s hope we can smash some game-changing sixes against the Heat at ANZ Stadium. I have a good feeling about this one.
Peace and Thunder,
Ryan Carters