Thousands fill Kardinia Park for Festival of Sport

March 15, 2025 BY Abby Pardew

Skateboarding was one of the activities attendees could choose to participate in at the festival. Photos: SUPPLIED

THOUSANDS of sports fans of all ages and abilities flocked to Kardinia Park last week as the Festival of Sport returned for 2025.

About 2,500 people attended the event on Friday last week, enjoying the Geelong venue as it came alive with a range of different sporting activities and activations from more than 30 representatives.

Around 2,500 people attended the event last week where they participated in a wide range of sporting activities.

Attendees were encouraged to try something new with activities from traditional and obscure backgrounds on offer, including cricket, skateboarding, tennis, hockey, rugby, athletics, boxing and more.

There was also an all abilities focus this year which involved activations from the likes of Special Olympics Barwon Region, Blind Sports and Recreation Victoria and Geelong All Abilities Sports Club.

Activations took place across the arena, stadium consourse, Djilang Plaza and the Geelong Sports Museum.

Sponsored by Deakin University, this year marked the fifth installment of the festival, aiming to celebrate the diversity of sport within the region, active recreation and healthy lifestyles.

The festival took place across the Kardinia Park precinct, including in the Barwon Regional Cricket Centre, in the Joel Selwood Stand, outside in Djilang Plaza and on the oval of GMHBA Stadium.

Festival goers of all ages and abilities were encouraged to participate. Photo: SUPPLIED

The Geelong Sports Museum also opened for the evening and included free entry for attendees to explore sporting stories and the new Spotlight on Golf exhibit.