Softball Queensland's Open Men's State Championships will go into full swing this weekend, with hundreds of competitors, supporters and officials flocking to Rockhampton for the major sporting event.
The championships will showcase the incredible talent of 18 competitive teams from all corners of Queensland, providing an exciting and action-packed weekend for all softball enthusiasts.
Rockhampton Region Mayor Tony Williams said the championship event, hosted by Softball Queensland at the Rockhampton Softball Association, received $5,000 towards the sporting event through Council's Community Assistance Program (CAP).
"Council is very proud to partner with Softball Queensland and see this event being held in the Rockhampton Region," Mayor Williams said.
"The Community Assistance Program is an important investment in our local community and helps make events like this a reality.
"We know that sporting events like the Men's Open State Championships bring a huge benefit to our region and cement our reputation as the sporting capital of Central Queensland.
"Whether it's giving our local athletes the opportunity to compete here at home, supporting our local retail, accommodation and hospitality sectors through the economic activity these events provide or simply showcasing the great attractions we have on offer; we are proud to host this event and know it will be a great weekend for everyone involved."
Parks, Sport and Public Spaces Councillor Cherie Rutherford said this weekend's Open Men's State Championships is expected to be a thrilling celebration of softball, uniting communities and showcasing the prowess of athletes from all corners of Queensland.
"Council's partnership with Softball Queensland to deliver this event underscores our commitment to nurturing sporting excellence within our community and it's a partnership that will not only put Rockhampton on the map but also invigorate our local sporting scene," Cr Rutherford said.
"Having players of this calibre on display here in Rockhampton provides an amazing opportunity for our local softball players to experience and learn for elite competition.
"Rockhampton Regional Council encourages all residents and visitors to come out and support the event, and enjoy the thrilling matches and vibrant atmosphere.
"Whether you're a softball enthusiast or simply want to experience the excitement of a state championship, Kele Park is the place to be this weekend."
Softball Queensland CEO Ross Symonds said the championship is expected to bring hundreds of softball players, supporters, and officials to Rockhampton for the three day event.
"There are 18 teams competing at the State Championships from all over Queensland including Wynnum, Caboolture, Coral Coast, Mackay, Maryborough, Redlands, Noosa, Redcliffe, Toowoomba, Rockhampton, and a team from the Australian Defence Force," Mr Symonds said.
"These championships will see all of the best Queensland male players in action - two players to keep an eye on are Riley James and Julian Jemmott.
"Both players will be representing Redlands Green, the likely favourites for the State Championships Title.
"All games on Diamond 1 and Diamond 2 will be livestreamed via the Softball Queensland Facebook Page over the duration of the tournament."
The championship event kicks off today with games commencing at 8:00am, with the grand finals expected to commence at 2:00pm on Sunday 15thOctober.
During the first funding round for the 2023-24 financial year, Council has supported 20 local organisations to deliver 22 projects, seeing more than $52,000 of funding support provided to community groups and clubs across the Region.
The second round of the 2023-24 Community Assistance Program will open 15 January 2024.
