Sport
14 August, 2023
Cricket match unites schools for a cause
A FRIENDLY cricket match between Mareeba State High School and St Stephen’s Catholic College took place last week for the Dr Mark Bestmann memorial cup.
The annual cup is held between the schools in memory of Dr Mark Bestmann, an avid cricketer and prominent member of the community.
This year, it was St Stephen’s who came out on top in the boy’s competition and Mareeba High who took home the girl’s competition.
Mareeba State High School coach, manager and organiser Tim O’Sullivan said students played with pride and honoured Dr Bestmann throughout the games.
“It’s a friendly rivalry and you could see all the social stuff going in between students,” he said.
“There is no animosity between the teams, everyone is friends, and they all have a lot of fun.
“We play this game every year in his (Dr Bestmann’s) honour.”
St Stephen’s coach Paul McLennan said the cup was an important event, starting the conversation amongst players about mental health awareness.
“It is an opportunity to discuss and raise awareness of mental health while remembering Dr Bestmann,” he said.
“One in five people deal with mental health issues including anxiety and depression.”
Mr McLennan recently spoke at a college assembly about this event and mental health, and the importance of speaking up and seeking help when needed.
