The Gold Coast has again been confirmed as a premier destination for major Australian sporting events with the announcement it will host the inaugural international netball carnival, NetFest, in 2011.
Netballers from around Australia and New Zealand will converge on the Gold Coast in September for the end-of-season netball carnival; the first of its kind to be held at this time of year for both countries.
Premier Anna Bligh said the carnival was a welcome addition to the national sporting calendar and secured the Gold Coast as a popular choice for such high-profile events.
“The Gold Coast has hosted a number of standout events this year which have delivered strong or record results, and 2011 is already looking like a year to remember on the Queensland events calendar,” she said.
“With its indoor, outdoor and beach facilities and climate, the Gold Coast is the perfect choice to host such a major netball carnival as NetFest, which will be managed by Netball Australia and supported by Events Queensland.”
Ms Bligh said the carnival was expected to attract well over 3,000 players in its inaugural year alone, due to the popularity of the sport amongst the female community.
“Netball records the largest female participation sport in both Australia and New Zealand, with 1.2million people playing netball at a national level,” Ms Bligh said.
“Australia has over 327,000 players registered members across 560 associations nationally, while New Zealand has 135,000 registered members with an additional 80,000 social participants.
“The wide popularity of the sport, coupled with the willingness of participants to travel to a fun destination to celebrate end-of-season activities, undoubtedly secures NetFest as a highlight on the national and New Zealand netball calendar in 2011.
NetFest joins an impressive list of major sporting highlights already confirmed by Events Queensland at the Gold Coast for 2011, including the Magic Millions Yearling Sales, ANZ RACV Ladies Masters, the Rugby League Indigenous and NRL All Stars match, the Australian Surf Lifesaving Championship and the 2011 Australian University Games.
NetFest 2011 will be held at the Gold Coast from September 8 – 11, 2011.