Inaugural Biggest Backyard Cricket Bash raises $100,000 for mental health and cancer research
Teams and supporters came together at Adelaide Oval on Sunday 11 October for the inaugural Biggest Backyard Cricket Bash, raising $100,000 to support South Australians affected by mental illness and cancer.
Held in support of Breakthrough Mental Health Research Foundation and Cancer Council SA, and proudly supported by the South Australian Cricket Association (SACA), the event united businesses, organisations and community groups for a day of cricket, connection and fundraising.
The fundraising began at SACA’s Mid Winter Ball at the Mortlock Library, where an auction raised $20,665. White Horse Finance secured the first team entry with the winning bid, helping set the Biggest Backyard Cricket Bash in motion.
Before the first ball was bowled, South Australian fast bowler Wes Agar spoke to 7NEWS about the importance of the event, sharing his own experience of mental health and why he believes in mental health research.
Watch: South Australian fast bowler Wes Agar, shares why he is supporting the Biggest Backyard Cricket Bash.
Watch: The closing moments of the inaugural Biggest Backyard Cricket Bash.
Teams took to the field for a full day of T10 cricket, competing for the chance to contest the final on Adelaide Oval’s renowned centre wicket.
Congratulations to Turbans 4 Australia (T4A), who claimed the gold trophy and became our inaugural Biggest Backyard Cricket Bash champions.
For the finalists, playing on the centre wicket was a memorable way to finish the competition. Across the day, every team contributed beyond the scoreboard, rallying their networks to raise funds for the two charities.
Breakthrough CEO John Mannion said the event reflected the power of communities coming together.“
At its heart, the Biggest Backyard Cricket Bash is about bringing people together behind causes that touch countless South Australians. While progress in mental health and cancer research can sometimes feel incremental, it is made possible through moments like these, where communities unite with a shared purpose and determination to create lasting change.”
Funds raised will support Breakthrough’s mental health research and education initiatives, alongside Cancer Council SA’s prevention, research and support services.
From all of us at Breakthrough, thank you to every player, fundraiser, supporter, volunteer and partner who helped bring the day to life. Your time, generosity and enthusiasm helped turn an ambitious idea into a shared achievement.
A special thank you to SACA and Adelaide Oval for helping make this experience possible, Rewards Trophies for the champions’ trophy, and Nu-Pure Beverages for keeping everyone hydrated throughout the day.
We also thank White Horse Finance, Catapult Foundation, CareStack, Finesse Built and Clinpath Pathology for their support, and Xcel Creative Studios for capturing the day.
To our friends at Cancer Council SA, thank you for sharing this inaugural event with us. Together, our communities raised $100,000 to help advance research, education, prevention and support for South Australians affected by mental illness and cancer.
