Two Rockhampton teams will have home court advantage as they compete for the silverware in the Under-14 Girls Basketball State Championships this weekend.
Rockhampton Basketball received $6,700 from the Rockhampton Regional Council’s Community Assistance Program to host the championships from 29 June to 2 July.
Mayor Tony Williams said the State Championships demonstrate Rockhampton’s reputation as a premier sporting hub capable of hosting statewide events that draw thousands to the Region.
“The event anticipates about 50 teams taking part in the four-day event,” Mayor Williams said.
“This means we are rolling out the welcome mat to more than 2,000 players, family members and officials, which will have a huge economic impact.
“The benefits for our local businesses are huge and we hope our two local teams aren’t the only winners from the weekend.”
Deputy Mayor and Communities and Heritage Councillor Drew Wickerson encouraged more sporting groups to follow in the footsteps of Rockhampton Basketball and apply for event funding through the Community Assistance Program.
“By the club successfully securing CAP funding, they have been able to cover a lot of costs associated with running an event of this magnitude,” Cr Wickerson said.
“We encourage all sporting groups and not for profit organisations who have events planned in the latter half of the year to apply.”
Parks, Sport and Public Spaces Councillor Cherie Rutherford said that sporting events like this really showcased Rockhampton as the sporting capital of Central Queensland.
“Rockhampton is the perfect destination for state sporting events like this,” Cr Rutherford said.
“Our central location means players and their families have similar travel time whether they are coming from north and the south.
“Add to this our great sporting assets and facilities along with our warm and welcoming community, and you can see why so many sporting championships choose Rockhampton for their events.”
Rockhampton Basketball General Manager Wade Rebetzke encouraged the community to show its support for the local teams taking part in the U14 Girls State Championships which start on Saturday and runs until Tuesday.
“It’s no secret that travel is just part the commitment for any athlete living in our Region who is competing at the next level,” Mr Rebetzke said.
“Most of the time we would expect to play in Brisbane which means a lot of travel and additional expenses so to host a State Championship locally is fantastic.
“For our girls especially, it means they will be able to play in front of friends and family and have that home crowd advantage and support.
“There were a lot of moving pieces to get it here and we will be relying heavily on our volunteers, but what it means for our players and our community proves how important it is to bring events of this size to town.”
Games are scheduled across seven courts in three locations including Rockhampton Basketball’s Bravus Arena on Sir Raymond Huish Drive in Wandal, Central Queensland University in Norman Gardens and at Height’s College in Kawana.
“We would love to see as many people come down and support our crew,” Mr Rebetzke said.
“They are up against some tough competition, and we are one of the smaller clubs in the state, but I am confident our girls will rise to the challenge.
“They will play hard and give it their all, but it would be great for them to have the vocal support of their home town.”
