There was nothing that could wipe the smile from James Spokes’ face when he met and interviewed some of Australia’s biggest cricket stars on Saturday.
It was a dream come true for the Bundaberg cricket fan, who caught up with Darren Lehmann and other Australian greats during their Bulls Masters Tour last week.
The team were in town to promote cricket and play in the Bundaberg Invitational XI, and while the game didn’t finish due to rain, there was plenty of opportunity for fans to catch up with their idols.
Disability support service TotalCare was part of the action, with carer James Bulbert accompanying his client James Spokes to a meet and greet.
“James just loves his cricket and football,” Mr Bulbert said.
“He wasn’t aware we had organised the opportunity for him to meet and interview some of the players.
“I really have to commend the Bulls – they give a lot of time and effort to make sure they connect with the community.
“James loved interviewing Darren – it was such a surprise and shock for him!
“It was an amazing night, incredible and definitely a highlight for James.”
Brian would have given up spot on the bench for James
Mr Bulbert said the Bulls Masters meet and greet was made possible with the help of John Spencer from Habilitation Support Services, whose client Brian Zeller was quite familiar with rubbing shoulders with the Bulls Masters team.
“Each year for the last four years Brian has met up with the Bulls Masters when they come to Bundaberg,” John said.
“Brian loves his cricket, and he is one of the blind cricket participants here in the region.
“This year was a collaboration between Habilitation Support Services, TotalCare and Bulls Masters for both clients to go along for a meet and greet”
John said as planning was underway there was a moment when the disability service providers thought only one client would be able to go out on the pitch and meet with the team.
“Brian was going to give up his spot on the bench for James,” John said.
“That’s a pretty big thing, as he looks forward to this every single year, but it turned out both were able to meet them and get lots of photos and memories too.”
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