By Ron Lane
If Saturday’s celebrations to mark the opening on the Noosa Netball season are any indication the ladies should have the best season ever. By 8 am it was a bright sunny day with Noosa at its best, happy parents and hundreds of players ranging from the tiny tots (players of the future) through to their senior ages.
With players dressed in colorful costumes designed around their team names the march past event was indeed a sight to behold and when a young team dressed as Willie Wagtails past the officials the applause was deafening. A little lady all of 6 yrs. old, stole the show when she marched dressed as a string of Fire Crackers, as a symbol of her team.
Following her speech of welcome to visiting dignities players and parents Club President Beverly Bullivant introduced local M.P.Sandy Bolton, Mayor Tony Wellington and Councilor Joe Jurisevic.
In her remarks Sandy Bolton highlighted the fact that the sport develops friendships that “stay with us for years.” In closing she called on all involved to remember that net ball is now a National Sporting Group; she then wished them all the best for the season ahead. In his speech Mayor Tony Wellington got a rousing reception when he modestly took the responsibility for it being such a glorious day. He congratulated the club on its appearance with three courts now having a new playing surface.
The President then introduced Life Member Lola McDonald and congratulated her on being awarded the Certificate of Merit and being elected into the Hall of Fame for her outstanding contribution to the club and the game. Apart from her involvement to netball Lola was also heavily involved in the early days of the formation of the Noosa Nippers.
The Noosa Pipe band were then acknowledged for their musical contribution
With three courts now resurfaced and more to come the facilities should well cater for the 44 teams now on the books. With a structure in place to cater for the 5-10 yr. olds by teaching them the basic skills then moving them on to a situation where they start modified games with modified rules, the future for this well run club is indeed looking good.
At present there are 22 senior teams with Monday night games as well as Ladies Indoor Competition at the Leisure Center and the Good Shepard Lutheran College. With good game management, a structure in place to cater for the young and good facilities their success is assured.
