The Sunshine Coast Lightning and Unitywater have confirmed that registrations for the much-anticipated return of the ‘Unitywater Lightning Cup’, a school-based netball competition and carnival for primary students, is completely booked out.
The full-day event will see 76 teams (532 students) from schools across the Sunshine Coast, Moreton Bay, Noosa and Gympie, competing for one of the three trophies up for grabs – Lightning (Championship), Storm (Boys) and Thunder (Development).
Unitywater Lightning Cup reigning champions, Siena Catholic College, received a special visit from head coach Belinda Reynolds and Sunshine Coast Lightning player Ashleigh Ervin, who said last years’ event was a great success.
“Netball is one of the most participated-in sports in the country, and it was so exciting to see so many young players in the region in full force – especially the boys who traditionally haven’t participated in competitive netball,” Ms Ervin said.
“Registrations to compete for the three cups have closed, but we’ve recently opened registrations for students with different physical, cognitive or intellectual abilities who’d like to get involved and participate in a multi-class clinic on the day.”
Unitywater executive manager strategic engagement Joshua Zugajev said Unitywater’s participation in the event was one of the highlights of their partnership with the Sunshine Coast Lightning.
“The Unitywater Lightning Cup is a fantastic demonstration of a healthy and thriving community, with students spending time being active outdoors and learning ways to look after themselves and our environment,” Mr Zugajev said.
“To stay in top form, Lightning players keep hydrated with at least two litres of our local tap water per day and avoid soft drinks which can contain up to 10 teaspoons of sugar in each 375 millilitre can.
“Travelling often, means Lightning players are also great at remembering to take their reusable bottles every time they leave home, to avoid buying single use plastics which often end up in landfill and take up to 1000 years to break down.”
The Unitywater Lightning Cup event will also feature a ‘Strike Zone’ with free activities will be available, as well as merchandise, food trucks and special appearances throughout the day by Sunshine Coast Lightning athletes.
The Unitywater Lightning Cup will be held at the Netball Associations Australia courts on Fisherman’s Road in Maroochydore on 23 August.
