Southern Stars unite with Paralympians

The Commonwealth Bank Southern Stars did not bring home the winners' trophy from the ICC World T20 in India last month, but their journey to the final has reaped rewards for an important cause.

For every four and six the Southern Stars hit during the tournament in India, the 15-player squad donated $50 to help the Australia Paralympic Team reach the Paralympics in Rio de Janeiro this September.

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Dubbing their campaign 'Runs4Rio', the Australians found the boundary on 84 occasions from their first match against South Africa in Nagpur until their bid for a fourth-straight title was thwarted by West Indies at Eden Gardens on April 3 – raising a total of $4200.

The Southern Stars capped off Runs4Rio in Sydney on Tuesday when vice-captain Alex Blackwell presented the cheque for $4200 to Australia's Paralympic Team.

"It makes us feel like a part of their team now," Blackwell said on Tuesday.

"Doing it brought us together as a team and it was good thing to have something else to focus on during the tournament.

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"I've been a part of elite sport long time and now I'm a professional, full-time athlete, which I never thought would happen in my time.

"But I played with women who used to have to pay to play. We're really fortunate now but we know that's not the case for many Australian athletes."

Wicketkeeper Alyssa Healy said she was thrilled to have a chance to meet members of the Australian Paralympic Team, including Paralympic great Louise Sauvage who is heading to Rio as a coach.

"They're unbelievable people and elite athletes," Healy said. "We wish them all the best for Rio and it's been nice for us to play a very small part in trying to help them reach their target.

"It's been nice to chat to them and hear about their journeys, as well giving back now we're in a pretty fortunate position.

"Hopefully they can go over there and do us proud, which I know they will."

The Southern Stars are also encouraging fans to support the Australian Paralympic Team – who need $7 million to send their entire team to Rio – by making their own pledge.

Donations to the Australian Paralympic Team can be made here.