Perry Sprung

Perry burst onto the Devon cricket scene in the summer of 2009 when he announced that he was going to set up and run a Devon disability side. He has done exactly that! Perry continues to fulfil the role of a voluntary disability development officer for the Devon Cricket Board with great desire and drive. Perry had a serious accident at work approximately 5 years ago and his pelvis was shattered into 30+ pieces, he is on a constant dosage of morphine and numerous other drugs to control the pain that day to day living puts him through. 2010 saw the Devon Disability Cricket Team not only formed but also play their first ever game of cricket. In addition to forming a disability team Perry has sourced income to support the programme via numerous funding streams. To date Perry has raised over £15,000 for disability cricket in the county.

Perry has single-handedly raised the profile of disability cricket in the county in just 20 months. Through his 'can do' attitude he has inspired other local volunteers to run a Devon Deaf team in 2011. The County will have 2 disability sides formed in just 2 years. Clubs in the county are now very aware of disability cricket which is significant progress from 2 years ago. Clubs now ask the cricket board if they can host a disability game and are actively seeking ways of improving their facilities to make them disability friendly. With some of the funding Perry has secured he is looking to send coaches into specialist schools to work with disabled children to build up links with clubs and the disability county side. This is the first time that disabled youngsters in Devon schools will be given a genuine exit route by cricket. CR