Australia's Best Compete For National Pride
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Softball's brightest stars will shine amongst the diamonds this February at the National Softball Championships!
Hosted at Blacktown Olympic Park over 12 Open Men's and Women's teams will battle it out for national pride over 6 days. Commencing Monday 16th of February this event is one that the whole family will enjoy.
Action is due to explode at the Open Men's Grand Final Friday the 20th - including exciting announcement of the 2009 National Men's Team who will compete in the World Championships in Canada later this year. The ACT, current defending Open Men's Champions, will be tough to beat, listed once again as the hot favourites!
The Open Women will conclude the festivities on Saturday the 21st with the Grand Final sure to be a close one. Schools, locals and sporting enthusiasts are encouraged to come down and support your favourite States in the battle for Softball Australia's greatest titles.
2009 is the first year the Open Women's competition will fall under one single title. Formally two separate competitions, the National League Championship and the Gilley's Shield, will now run collectively as the National Gilley's Shield Championship title. Teams compete for points over 3 months all coming to a head in the final week of competition at the National's. Superstars like Melanie Roach and Stacey Porter alongside local girls Kelly Gentle and Ashley Pobjie will all represent New South Wales and are determined to take the Firestars through to the Grand Final.
Currently third on the points ladder behind rivals Western Australian Flames and Queensland Heat, New South Wales Won the 2008 Gilley's shield, and will not give it up without a spectacular fight.
This is a fantastic opportunity to support Australia's best on home turf at Blacktown Olympic Park! Games commence at 9.30am daily, Admission is free for children under 16 and $10 for adults. Don't miss the Open Men's and Women's Grand Finals 7.30pm Friday 20th and 7pm Saturday 21st. Spectacular fireworks and an Australian country theme will fill the stadium both nights in an event for the whole family to enjoy!
Media Contact :
Ros Pullen - Media & Marketing Officer - Blacktown Olympic Park - 9839 6595
Karla Wyatt - Promotions Assistant - Blacktown Olympic Park - 9839 6593