It’s almost time to polish the diamond and load the bases again.
Mooroopna, country Victoria’s crown jewel for big-hitting, fast-pitching underarm action, has been given the nod to host Softball Victoria’s 2024 Masters Championships.
The event will run from June 8-10 at Mooroopna Recreation Reserve.
A total of 42 teams from Victoria, Queensland, South Australia, New South Wales and Tasmania will descend on the Goulburn Valley to contest the 26th edition of the tournament.
The arrival of about 700 players and officials, additional support crew and spectators is expected to inject about $1 million into the local economy, with City of Greater Shepparton Mayor Shane Sali welcoming the event to the region for the eighth time with open arms.
“These events strengthen our reputation as the leading sporting and events capital of regional Australia, while keeping our local economy strong and businesses thriving,” he 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.”
Adding to Sali's sentiment, Softball Victoria state operations manager Jo Schutt 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,” she said.
“Likewise, we are very happy the tournament provides a boost to local businesses coupled with the local non-profit organisations who will be assisting to support the event.”
For more information on the event, contact Softball Victoria’s operations and events co-ordinator Cheryl Waye via email at vicevents@softball.org.au or visit their website www.softballvic.org.au/events1/masters/