The 14th annual Paul Bowman Challenge saw 5000 young footballers and their families, spread over 75 teams from as far afield as Mount Isa, attend the Proserpine Football grounds this weekend.
The Under 9’s two-day Rugby League carnival is held in the Whitsundays every year and over the weekend excited kids were queuing up in droves to meet their favourite sport stars, Cowboys players Heilum Luki and Mitch Dunn.
The Proserpine Junior Sportspark came alive with brightly coloured jerseys and thousands of families setting up camp for the weekend, when the Paul Bowman Carnival came to town, attracting 75 players from across the state.
Councillor Al Grundy said that with no declared winner of the tournament, the event is set up to promote participation and sportsmanship for the formative years of under nine competition.
“It’s about getting the kids involved!” he said.
“And it was so nice to see so many people coming from so far away and travelling from all over the state.
“The whole event went really well – it was so well organised and the volunteers did a fantastic job. The people think it’s really amazing and it was lovely to hear them all saying thank you.”
Cowboy players Heilum Luki and Mitch Dunn both said they were thrilled to see such a great following for the event.
“It reminds me of going to this sort of carnival when I was younger and now they are all coming to see me!” said Heilum.
Coordinator Kim Bates said she was proud of all the organising committee and volunteers.
“It gets better every year, it’s wonderful for the whole community and we always do it for love!”
Kate Clark, Manager of the Whitsunday Brahmans under-nine team said it was awesome seeing everyone gather for the kids.
“Everyone played their best and showed really good sportsmanship,” she said.
Publishers Indemnity. Any individual or entity that places advertising, supplies copy material, or submits editorial content to Core Life Publishing agrees and undertakes to ensure that all such material:- Does not infringe upon any copyright, trademark, or other intellectual property rights;- Is free from any content that could be considered defamatory, libelous, or slanderous;- Does not infringe upon any rights related to privacy or breach of confidence;- Contains no obscene, indecent, or otherwise unlawful material;- Complies fully with the Trade Practices Act and all other applicable laws, regulations, or statutes.Furthermore, by submitting or placing such material, these individuals or entities agree to indemnify and hold harmless the publisher, Core Publishing and Events Pty Ltd, and/or its agents from and against any and all investigations, claims, demands, liabilities, damages, costs, or judgments arising out of or in connection with the material provided. All material is believed to be accurate at the time of printing and remains the copyright of Core Publishing and Events Pty Ltd.
© 2024 Mackay and Whitsunday Life Pty Ltd.
