State sporting carnivals are back in the spotlight in Rockhampton this week with the kick-off of the inaugural Queensland State Schools Cup.
The state rugby league carnival is being held in Rockhampton from Thursday, September 18 to Saturday, September 20 and will see hundreds of young athletes and their supporters visiting the region.
The State Schools Cup, hosted by North Rockhampton High School (NRHS), will be played at Victoria Park and unites state high schools from across Queensland.
Schools from Far North Queensland to Wide Bay are set to line up in the inaugural event, which features 13-a-side competitions for both boys and girls, celebrating the incredible talent and teamwork within Queensland's public education system.
With the majority of Queensland's high school students attending state schools, the event promises to become a cornerstone of the school sporting calendar.
More than just a competition, the State Schools Cup begins a new tradition—one that will create lasting memories, forge strong school connections, and inspire the next generation of rugby league stars across our great state.
NRHS staff member and footy coach Tyron Harvey is the driving force behind the carnival, designed to inspire the next generation of rugby league stars.
He created the competition after watching the ongoing success of the Confraternity Carnival, which this year drew a record 72 teams from Catholic and independent schools.
The State Schools Cup builds on 6 months of major sporting events being held in Rockhampton, including the Queensland Touch Junior State Cup, Queensland Independent Secondary Schools Confraternity Carnival, and Hockey Australia's Country Championships.
Council has released economic data showing the significant boost major sporting events bring to the local economy with some events seeing up to 90 per cent of its attendees visiting the region from either intra- or inter-state.
Quotes attributable to Mayor Tony Williams:
"Rockhampton has proven itself as a premier destination for major sporting events, and the inaugural State Schools Cup is another example of our region's ability to host competitions that deliver real economic benefits.
"Welcoming hundreds of young athletes, families, and supporters is a big win for our economy and boosts accommodation, hospitality, retail and tourism.
"Sports visitation is a growing pillar of our regional development strategy, and events like this showcase Rockhampton's strengths while creating lasting community and economic value."
Quotes attributable to Parks Sports and Public Spaces Councillor Cherie Rutherford:
"It's so great to see the first State Schools Cup being held right here in Rockhampton.
"By offering competitive sporting events in regional Queensland we're giving our young athletes the chance to compete at a state-wide level without needing to travel too far from home.
"Sport plays a vital role in community development, and hosting events like this in Rockhampton ensures our local talent is seen, supported, and celebrated. It's about creating opportunities and building pathways for athletes right here in our own backyard."
