The Western Australian Cricket Association (WACA) and QantasLink have joined forces to encourage the development of cricket in Tom Price and Paraburdoo, two of Australia s most remote regional communities.

The two parties last week signed a joint one year sponsorship deal to launch the QantasLink Development Program.

The program will help young people become involved in cricket and develop their cricketing potential.

Located on the North West Coastal Highway in the Unique North of Western Australia s Pilbra region, PARABURDOO is one of WA s many purpose built mining towns and gateway to the spectacular Karijini National Park.

TOM PRICE is also located in the Pilbara region, provides access to the mineral wealth of the Hamersley Range and is the stepping off point for exploration of Karijini National Park.

The QantasLink Development Program will be run by the WACA s specialised team of Cricket Development Officers in conjunction with local volunteers and the sponsorship will help provide access to Tom Price and Paraburdoo.

The program will involve coach education and the provision of opportunities to play at higher levels, with the aim of developing cricket at grass roots level.

WACA Game Development Manager Phil Gregson said,

The WACA is thrilled to be given such an opportunity to help develop cricket in remote regions of Western Australia like Tom Price and Paraburdoo, thanks to the assistance of QantasLink .

We hope the program will impact on and benefit not only the WACA and QantasLink, but also the communities of Tom Price and Paraburdoo .

Justine Bell-Morris, Marketing Manager for QantasLink said,

"QantasLink is delighted to be involved in assisting the WACA to develop cricket in Tom Price and Paraburdoo. We hope the QantasLink Development Program will encourage the young people in these towns to also become involved in the great game of cricket".

© 2002 Western Australian Cricket Association

This report does not necessarily represent the views of the Australian Cricket Board.