Sunil Gavaskar

September 2010: Cricketers Adam Gilchrist and Sunil Gavaskar will next month be recognised as Bradman Honourees at the annual Bradman Foundation’s Gala Dinner to be held at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Wednesday, 20 October.

Adam Gilchrist’s award is significant as he is the first Honouree to still be playing the game. His achievements include being the first player to successfully master three codes of the game: Test, One Day International and Twenty20. In keeping with the spirit of Sir Donald Bradman, Gilchrist is also noted for contributing to the integrity of the game and for his conduct on and off the field.

Sunil Gavaskar will be the first international Bradman Honouree. Embodying the Bradman principles of courage, honour, humility, integrity and determination, Gavaskar had a profound impact on cricket in India and around the world. He is recognised as the most successful of all opening batsmen and is credited for teaching his teammates and their successors the virtue of unconditional professionalism.

Gilchrist and Gavaskar join the ranks of cricketing greats such as Sam Loxton, Norman O’Neil, Alan Davidson, and Arthur Morris. Dennis Lillee, one of last year’s Honourees, will also be attending the dinner.

The 2010 Gala Dinner – which is now recognised as the premier cricket event – will feature Michael Slater and Ian Healy as Masters of Ceremony, Barry Humphries giving his unique view on cricket, and award-winning singer Adam Harvey.

The event sponsored by Macquarie Bank, will also have special significance as it will be held only a few weeks before the world’s only International Cricket Hall of Fame will open at Bradman Oval in Bowral.

This unique exhibition will comprise nine themed galleries incorporating cutting edge interactive technology. It will explain ‘What is Cricket?’ trace cricket history, demonstrate today’s game and provide inspiration for tomorrow. Through this new attraction, the Bradman Foundation aims to keep Sir Donald’s vision vibrant and relevant.

Individual tickets to the Gala Dinner, to be held on Wednesday 20 October at the SCG, are $500 for non members (which includes a tax-deductible donation of $350) and $400 for members.  For more details contact events@bradman.com.au or Karen Mews on 02 4861 5422.

In addition to first class dining and on stage performances, attendees also receive the privilege of walking onto the SCG ground, right up to the pitch, to view how the wicket is prepared.

Tags: Adam Gilchrist, Bradman Foundation, Cricket, Cricketers, SCG, Sports, Sunil Gavaskar, Sydney Cricket Ground