McDonald’s Bathurst has distributed 16 of the newest Masuri cricket helmets, featuring the latest stemguard protection, to local clubs.

The donation of the helmets is part of a joint community initiative between McDonald’s and Cricket NSW.

The program aims to ensure all junior cricket clubs have access to the latest safety equipment, encouraging young people in the state to lead a safe and active lifestyle. 

New helmet standards will be introduced across Australia in the 2019-20 cricket season, making the new equipment provided by McDonald’s and Cricket NSW even more important. 

McDonald’s Bathurst and Kelso licencee Todd Bryant said he has always been a supporter of junior sport and was happy his business was able to provide equipment to the local cricket clubs. 

He was particularly pleased that the equipment would promote safety in sport.

“I think safety is really important in sport and the more we can do for safety, the more it will encourage kids to play,” he said. 

“These helmets are the latest and will give the kids what they need to stay safe while playing the game.” 

The initiative not only promotes safety in sport, but also assists local clubs with the transition to the new helmet standards by relieving some of the financial burden associated with it. 

“I want to make it more affordable for families to play sport,” Mr Bryant said. 

This was not the first time that junior cricket has been given a boost from the initiative. 

Mr Bryant said McDonald’s and Cricket NSW were able to distribute 30 helmets to Bathurst clubs last year. 

CEO Andrew Jones said Cricket NSW was proud to partner with McDonald’s for the initiative. 

“Cricket is a sport for all and we are committed to making cricket as safe as it is fun for every girl and boy in NSW,” he said. 

“This partnership with McDonald’s means that all junior clubs across the state have the opportunity for their teams to play with the latest in helmet technology.”