Magazine: 2009 Australian Open Bowls Will Be At The Shepparton Park Bowls Club
By Editor in Bowls on 24th Jul 2008 10:15
The 2009 Australian Open bowls will be held at the Shepparton Park Bowls Club in February next year, the first time regional Victoria has hosted the event.
Sport and Recreation Minister James Merlino, who today inspected the Shepparton Park Bowls Club where the tournament will be held, said the Open would run from 15-21 February. “The Brumby Government is delighted to see the Australian Open Bowls held in regional Victoria for the first time,” Mr Merlino said.
“It is a fantastic event that will boost the profile of the Shepparton region and the local economy with a large number of competitors, spectators, media and officials coming to the area. “The Shepparton Park Bowls Club is a perfect venue for the 2009 Open with three excellent greens, floodlights for night matches, impressive club rooms and hospitality facilities.”
Mr Merlino said the nearby Mooroopna Bowls Club would be used as the secondary venue for the event with its proximity to the primary Shepparton venue making it easy for spectators to catch all the action. Bowls Australia receives funding from the Brumby Government to host premier bowls events, including the Australian Open.
“The Brumby Government supports major events like the Australian Open bowls tournament because they deliver great outcomes for everyone, from individual participants to local communities,” Mr Merlino said. Mr Merlino said the Australian Open was also a way to inspire competitors of all ages to compete in a sport where age is no barrier.
“Men, women, young people, seniors, people of all abilities, play bowls across Victoria. It’s a sport that everyone can be involved in and it’s important that we get more people involved in physical activity,” he said. Member for Northern Victorian Kaye Darveniza MP said the Australian Open bowls coming to Shepparton was a wonderful result for the region.
“About 1200 competitors, as well as supporters and visitors will be treated to the very best Shepparton has to offer, while there is also an opportunity to experience our world-class sporting venues,” Ms Darveniza said. “Hosting important sporting events like this also encourages more people to get involved in physical activities across the region.”
The Australian Open is Bowls Australia’s most prestigious annual event. For more information visit
www.bowlsaustralia.com.au
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