HURRICANES TAKE TO THE PITCH WITH PRIDE

HOBART Hurricane D’Arcy Short has urged BBL officials to look at a more permanent recognition of First Nations people during the competition.

The Hurricanes host the Sydney Thunder at Blundstone Arena from 1.40pm on Sunday and will don specially designed tops to mark the First Nations round.

Short, one of three First Nations players in the BBL this summer, said while the round presented a great opportunity to acknowledge the contributions Indigenous people have brought to cricket, he believed it was something that should be acknowledged on a more constant basis.

“For me, it’s about being proud of where I’ve come from,” Short said.

“I’ve been saying that we should play in this kit every round but I think that’s a work in progress to get that across the line,” Short said.

“I think it (acknowledging Indigenous people) is getting better, definitely, but I don’t think it’s as good as what it could be.”

The artwork on the Hurricanes tops was designed by palawa woman Sharnie Read, who said it gave her a sense of pride to see the history of the palawa people represented on such a big stage.

“To see your artwork out on display, it really is an exceptional kind of feeling,” Ms Read said.

“But when it’s at that next level and it’s also telling a story of your own people and it’s representing a connection that is immeasurable.

You can’t really explain how that makes you feel other than pride in that cultural identity.”

Ahead of the Hurricanes clash with the Thunder, the club will host a Beach Bonanza Fan Day at Bellerive Beach from 11am to 3pm on Saturday. The free event will include beach cricket, face painting and a barbecue with squad members in attendance.