Finch a fan of Festival of Sport’s return

KARDINIA Park’s Festival of Sport will be back this year, and Big Bash Beague (BBL) fans can make a big day of it by heading to a Melbourne Renegades game straight afterwards.

First held by the Kardinia Park Stadium Trust in 2018, the Festival of Sport is a celebration of physical activity, health and sport in the Geelong region.

Before to Renegades match at GMHBA Stadium on December 30, a jam-packed afternoon of free family fun and entertainment will take place within the Kardinia Park Precinct.

The event will featuring more than 20 interactive sporting experiences and displays.

Renegades heavy-hitter and Geelong favourite Aaron Finch visited GMHBA Stadium on Wednesday this week with Renegades team-mates Will Sutherland and Jake Fraser-McGurk to promote not only his team’s two BBL games in Geelong – against the Brisbane Heat on December 21 and the Sydney Sixers on December 30 – but also the Festival of Sport.

“With some new upgrades to the stadium, it’s going to be pretty special here,” Finch said.

“We love coming down here, and it’s good to be back.

“We’ve added some real strengths to our group, so for us, it’s just about starting the tournament well. In a 14-game season, with games so close together, if you slip for a week or so, it can put you out of the finals race, so we’ve got to be right on it from the start.”

He encouraged fans both old and new to cheer on the Renegades’ BBL campaign, especially on December 30.

“We get some of the best players in the world internationally, and then throw that in with world-class domestic players plus great, talented youngsters – I think it’s just a fantastic tournament.

“Here at Geelong, it’s a brilliant atmosphere to play in – on the 30th it combines with the festival of sport here at Kardinia Park, so that’s huge for the community, having not had that for three years.”

As well as Australian sporting staples such as cricket, rugby, netball and tennis, participants at the Festival of Sport will have the opportunity to try disc golf, badminton, hoola hooping, boccia and much more.

When it’s time for a rest from the come and try activities, visitors can enjoy a picnic or grab something from the food trucks while enjoying performances on the festival stage.

“We’re thrilled to welcome back the Festival of Sport these summer school holidays.” Kardinia Park Stadium Trust chief executive officer Gerard Griffin said.

“The community truly embraced this event in its first two years. I encourage everyone to get down to Kardinia Park, try something new and enjoy the festival atmosphere in the lead up to the Renegades and Sixers BBL match.”