Bega’s Steve Bragg shows off his cricket bronze medal and mini bat signed by Australian great Adam Gilchrist.
BEGA’S Steve Bragg has secured a bronze medal on the cricket field.
Bragg was recently selected for the NSW Special Olympics (SO) team at the 2013 Southern Australian Cricket Tournament.
Fellow Bega resident Chris Fulljames also represented the side that finished third overall at Adelaide.
Bragg and Fulljames have proudly returned to the Bega Valley with their spoils.
The NSW SO side started the tournament poorly, losing to eventual champions Queensland, before bouncing back to defeat South Australia and the ACT.
NSW took on Victoria in the last game, but couldn’t beat the tournament’s runners-up.
Bragg said he was proud of his team’s performance.
“It was a lot of fun,” he said.
“It was fun and with that kind of game you’re meeting new friends along the way.
“It doesn’t matter how many wins you get, or if you lose, we’re all winners anyway.”
Bragg said he was happy to contribute on the field, both with ball and bat.
“I played alright,” he said.
“I did really well in bowling, but I got no wickets.”
Bragg and Fulljames gained selection after impressing for the NSW South Coast SO cricket team in 2012.
Last March, Bragg was granted the opportunity to play on the prestigious Sydney Cricket Ground (BDN, 2/3/12).
That trip saw Bragg meet a number of the nation’s sporting stars, including cricket legend Richie Benaud, Australian all-rounder Shane Watson, commentator Jim Maxwell and a host of ex-rugby league players.
During his Adelaide visit, Bragg was given the opportunity to watch first-class cricket live.
Bragg saw Melbourne Stars record a victory in the Big Bash Twenty20 League over Adelaide Strikers at the Adelaide Oval.
However, the highlight of the night was when Australian cricket great Adam Gilchrist signed a mini cricket bat for Bragg.