Geraldton Guardian Mid West Sports Awards: Sportsmans welcomed club favourite Declan Thill with open arms

Amid all the athletes and behind-the-scenes contributors up for nomination in the 2023 Geraldton Guardian Mid West Sports Awards, Declan Thill and Sportsmans Cricket Club stand out. While most categories will see a competitive race for the winner, the ATLAS Inclusion Award has recognised Sportsmans for their proactive approach to making the sport accessible to more people. That spirit of inclusion can be seen in team manager and B-grade substitute, Declan Thill. Thill, who has an intellectual disability, loves cricket and wanted to get involved, and the Sportsies welcomed him with open arms into the club. “They’ve taken him pretty well, they’re pretty happy to have Declan around, he’s pretty chirpy around the nets, so keeps everyone pretty bright and spirited,” Sportsmans’ Tia Hatch said. “They’re happy to give him a go, which is really good to see . . . he is everyone’s favourite.” Since joining the club a few years ago, Thill has become like any other member of the club and the club has supported him in his growth. “I’ve been playing at Sportsmans for about a couple of years, this is my third season,” Thill said. “Been pretty good, making new friends and catching up with some old friends, being out in the community, trying new sport.” While he might not be out on the pitch every week, Thill is still involved in the game where he can be. “I’ve been a substitute the last few games because we’ve had a few other players . . . I’m team manager,” he said. ATLAS operations manager Chris Kerr said ever since Thill joined the club, Sportsmans have been welcoming and open to adapt. “They’ve been a really great club, they’re very open to inclusion,” she said. “Declan has been given his role as a team manager, so that helps him find other ways to get involved when he’s not on the field.” The ATLAS inclusion award looks to highlight those in the community who have gone above to make sports accessible. “(The award) was about ATLAS wanting to showcase to the community, particularly in the sporting community, who’s leading the way around inclusion,” Kerr said. “It’s really nice for a mainstream club, like Sporties, to actually welcome and be willing to make adjustments that needed to happen for someone like Dec to get involved. “We’re really pleased that Declan has been nominated for this award alongside Sporties, who have been fantastic supporters.” The award will be presented at the 2023 Geraldton Guardian Mid West Sports Awards on Friday, November 17 at the Geraldton Yacht Club.