It’s been three years since Ballina Netball was home to a regional carnival but, thanks to Ballina Shire Council funding urgent repairs to the six Owen Street courts a few months ago, Ballina Netball is now back in the game as a regional carnival host.
This Sunday (14 June) there will be representatives from Brunswick Byron, Casino, Grafton, Hinterland, Lismore, Lower Clarence, South Coast, Southport Carrara & Tweed associations descending on the area to participate in the much-anticipated Ballina Rep Carnival which will be opened by Ballina mayor, David Wright.
‘Being just two weeks out from the 2015 Netball NSW State Age Championships this weekend will provide the perfect opportunity for teams to fine-tune their competition preparations before heading to Sydney on 27 June,’ said Ballina Netball President, Kath Ellis.
The Netball NSW State Age Championships held its inaugural competition at Moore Park (Sydney) in 1968 with ten associations represented in five age groups.
Today there are four divisions of competition in each age group and it has morphed into one of the largest female sporting events in the southern hemisphere.
‘We are incredibly grateful to council for their continued support and commitment in assisting us to grow the sport of netball not only within our own community, but the region,’ continued Ellis.
‘We’ve been a strong contender in recent state age championships but having the opportunity to host our own carnival showcases Ballina and what the town has to offer – including some pretty impressive netball.’
The Ballina Rep Carnival will commence with the opening by mayor David Wright at 8:15am and the first round of competition starts at 8:30am. Matches will be played throughout the day, concluding at approx. 3:30pm with spectators and supporters encouraged.
