Softballers from across Australia will be swinging for the fences when the Softball Victoria Masters Championships return to Greater Shepparton later this month.
Hundreds of players and dozens of teams from across the country will flock to the Goulburn Valley for the three-day tournament, to be held at Mooroopna Recreation Reserve from June 10-12.
City of Greater Shepparton Mayor Shane Sali, said it was wonderful to welcome back the masters championships to the region for the seventh time.
“These events strengthen our reputation as a leading sporting and events capital of regional Australia, while keeping our local economy strong and businesses thriving,” Sali said.
“To facilitate the matches, 10 softball diamonds will be set up at the Mooroopna Recreation Reserve. We are looking forward to welcoming players, officials and spectators to Greater Shepparton for the championships.”
This year’s competition will by the 25th edition of the event, with 38 teams from Victoria, South Australia, Queensland, New South Wales and Tasmania taking part.
Greater Shepparton City Council said it was expecting about 600 players, officials and supporters to attend, injecting an estimated $1 million into the local economy.
Softball Victoria state operations manager Justin Zelones said they were delighted to be returning to the region for the annual tournament.
“We are pleased to be able to work with the Greater Shepparton City Council to provide such a great location to our members for this tournament, which is a ‘must do’ for Masters softballers,” Zelones said.
“Likewise, we are very happy the tournament gives a boost to local businesses coupled with the local non-profit organisations who will be assisting to support the event.”
The event will feature men’s and women’s competitions in the 35-and-over and 40-and-over age categories.