Badminton jamboree in Noosa

MORE than 350 badminton players from across Australia and New Zealand will converge on Noosa Leisure Centre from 18-24 October for the 2015 Atalanta Jamboree.
“Noosa Leisure Centre is thrilled to host the annual women’s badminton contest, which has grown to include more than 60 Australian teams, and 15 from New Zealand,” Leisure Centre co-ordinator Cathy Simon said.
“Not only will the jamboree showcase our picturesque shire to visitors from far and wide, but highlight the quality facilities Noosa Leisure Centre offers. It’s also a fantastic celebration of women in sport,” Ms Simon said.
Held in a different location each year, 2015 will be the event’s third time in Noosa.
“When the opportunity arose again for 2015, there was no difficulty for the delegates at the 2014 annual general meeting to vote in favour when they recalled the wonderful atmosphere and attractions enjoyed in those former years,” event spokeswoman, Val Nesbitt said, of the decision to return to Noosa.
“The ladies teams are really looking forward to visiting the array of beaches and holiday attractions.”
Ms Simon said spectators were welcome with competition happening between 18 and 24 October at various times of the day between 8am and 6pm.
The competition includes all grades from A to D5. Ms Nesbitt also thanked the Cooroy Badminton Club for providing the jamboree an additional venue.
The Victorian Ladies Badminton Association established the Atalanta Jamboree as an annual teams contest between the combined Melbourne-based ladies badminton associations and the Geelong Women’s Association. It has grown to include teams from all but one state, and New Zealand.
“Women’s daytime or midweek badminton has been a strong and lasting feature throughout Australia and New Zealand since the early 1930s,” Ms Nesbitt said.
“This strength has helped to build the Atalanta Jamboree to the long lasting successful event of the past 32 years.”