Sunshine Coast Netball Association is set to welcome almost 3,000 members of Queensland’s netball community this weekend, as the Maroochydore MultiSports Complex prepares to host the annual Nissan State Age.
Netball Queensland’s largest annual participation event, Nissan State Age is a junior Association carnival for players aged 12 to 15, with 215 teams from around the State set to compete in 2020.
1,290 games will be played across the 20 courts at Maroochydore Netball Association, equating to just over 28,000 minutes of court time from Saturday to Tuesday.
In total, this year’s Nissan State Age carnival will attract 2,150 players, 273 coaches, 215 team managers and 187 umpires in a celebration of the game’s thriving grassroots in Queensland.
Netball Queensland’s General Manager of Venues, Events, Competitions and Commercial, Ben Mannion, said Nissan State Age continues to be a highlight of the Netball Queensland calendar.
“Bringing together a broad cross section of our netball community to celebrate the values at the very core of our game is an opportunity we look forward to each year,” Mannion said.
“Whether you’re a player, coach, manager, umpire or volunteer, Nissan State Age is a platform to proudly represent your Association and your region.”
“This year’s event will look a little different with strict COVID protocols in place to ensure the health and wellbeing of our participants, but I am particularly proud of the work we’ve done to ensure it can be delivered in a safe way, given the significance of the event to so many people.”
The safety of participants and spectators will be the highest priority this weekend, with Netball Queensland working closely with the Sunshine Coast Public Health Unit to establish the most comprehensive COVID Safe plan for any community sporting event this year.
There will be a cap on total attendees per session at the venue, as well as a maximum of 40 spectators per court, to ensure adequate social distancing is adhered to.
Additionally, all people entering the venue will be required to both check in and check out, so that an accurate record of attendees is readily available should it be required.
Economy Portfolio Councillor Jason O’Pray said it was important to get events happening again, particularly events that foster training and competition of potential elite athletes.
“Our Maroochydore Multi Sport Complex is primed and ready to host the Queensland netball community for this annual event, and I would like to acknowledge the tremendous effort Netball Queensland has taken to prepare for a COVID safe event.
“For those visitors coming from across Queensland, we are delighted to show them the best our region has to offer with plenty of natural attractions and a wide range of adventure and cultural experiences to enjoy while they are here,” Cr O’Pray said.
Attendees will also have the option to take a break in style between games at the ‘Chill Out Zone’, with a number of food and beverage vendors, as well as valued Netball Queensland Partners, all activating at the event.
Those who aren’t able to attend will still be able to keep track of results, with LIVE scoring available through the World Sport Action app.
For all the latest information about the 2020 Nissan State Age Carnival, including competition updates, COVID Safe protocols and local Sunshine Coast information, visit the Nissan State Age Hub.
