MANTRA Group’s North Queensland region is once again getting behind the annual cricket fundraiser to support the Luke Batty Foundation.

The festival T20 matches, featuring four teams, are being held at the Port Douglas Community Sports Complex on Saturday, June 17 starting at 9.30am. The winner will be determined on a knock-out basis.
 

The local community event is expected to raise $20,000 for the Foundation and people are encouraged to come down and support the players as they dust off their whites, hit the pitch and apply whatever cricket skills they have.

There is a variety of prizes including a trip for two to Tasmania for the lucky spectator who takes the catch from the first six hit on the day.

The Area Manager for Mantra Group Port Douglas, Chris Northam, said the Luke Batty Foundation is its company’s chosen charity and every region raises funds for the charity.

“We are delighted to be involved in this worthy cause and I am looking forward to a day which I am sure will attract many people,” he said.

This is the fifth year the event has been held and the first time at the Port Douglas Sports Complex.

To add some spice and colour to the game, former Australian cricketer Damian Wright, now coach of the Hobart Hurricanes, and former Tasman Tigers Mark Ridgway, will be making guest appearances.

Port Douglas Crocs AFL President Chris Bradsworth and Local Cricket Club President Ben Vikionkorpi are key supporters of the event, and kindly donated (to Mantra Group) the use of the sports complex and facilities.

The Luke Batty Foundation was established in 2014 to assist women and children affected by domestic violence and in memory of Luke Batty who was tragically killed by his father at cricket practice on Wednesday 12 February 2014 in Tyabb, Victoria.

According to the Luke Batty Foundation website, everyone in Australia was hugely affected by the manner in which Luke was killed and communities from far and wide responded generously by sending hundreds of cards, an abundance of beautiful flowers, and donations, both large and small, to Luke’s mum Rosie.

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