Cricket Australia

Melbourne, Nov 25 (PTI) In a decision aimed at promoting
game among women, Cricket Australia has decided to appoint
four female players form their national side as the National
Female Cricket Ambassadors.

"Ellyse Perry, Delissa Kimmince, Kate and Alex Blackwell
will become the national faces of Cricket Australia's Females
in cricket strategy in roles designed to develop, promote and
integrate females into all facets of Australian cricket. The
roles are effective immediately," a Cricket Australia release
said Tuesday.

The Ambassadors will aim to drive participation for the
5-12 year old age group into the MILO in2CRICKET program.

Over the last 12 months this participant group has seen
the largest percentage increase of all groups, up by 18 per
cent, taking it to 42,686 female participants between 5 and 12
nationally, with potential for even greater growth in this
area.

Ellyse said she is looking forward to contribute to the
cause.

"As somebody who loves the game of cricket, I'm looking
forward to helping promote the role of females in the game so
hopefully many more females can get the same enjoyment that I
have from the sport.

"In the short-term I may look to combine studies with my
sport, and the ambassador role is flexible employment that
fits and helps with that balance," she said.

Cricket Australia's General Manager of Game Development
Damien Bown sees the appointments as a significant step wider
women participation.

"Cricket Australia is dedicated to fostering a game that
is more inclusive and encouraging of female participation
through its Females in Cricket strategy," Bown said.

"Alex, Kate, Ellyse and Delissa are all fine role models
and sportspeople, and I look forward to working with them to
help grow the game and female participation."

Ambassadors will undertake a variety of work including
media appearances, school visits, involvement in national and
state junior cricket championships, promotional shoots, and
speaking at CA corporate events. PTI AT
RKM