City to host national junior games

THE School Sport Australia Games will be hosted by the City of Ballarat in spring of next year.

A week-long junior sporting carnival, the major event is expected to bring about 1300 athletes from across the country, their families, and officials to the region in mid-to-late October.

Cricket, soccer, golf, netball, softball, touch football, and tennis are set to be played mostly by competitors under the age of 12.

“School Sport Australia is thrilled to bring the School Sport Australia Games to Ballarat, a city renowned for its sporting and tourist appeal,” said School Sport Australia executive officer, Phil Reeves.

“This event highlights our commitment to a new multi-sport format, revolutionising representative school sports.

“The School Sport Australia Games will offer students an unforgettable sporting and educational experience.

“This would not be possible without the substantial support from the City of Ballarat and our partners, including UniSport Australia and Struddys.”

In total, the carnival is expected to attract more than 3000 visitors, and put $2 million into the region’s economy.

The touch football and tennis competitions will feature wider age groups than just under 12s.

City of Ballarat deputy-mayor, Cr Peter Eddy said municipal officers are pleased to have been successful in their bid for the games.

“In recent years we have invested significantly into our sporting facilities, making Ballarat a leading regional centre for the hosting of sporting events,” he said.

“We look forward to welcoming thousands of visitors to our city to use our sporting facilities, but also experience everything Ballarat has to offer.

“We also expect our local accommodation and hospitality businesses to benefit greatly from Ballarat attracting such a major event.”

The first School Sport Australia Games are to be held on the Gold Coast this July and August.

“The inaugural games will take place in Queensland in six weeks, and we are already gearing up for an equally spectacular event in Ballarat for 2025,” said Mr Reeves.