Inala rivals square off in Oz Tag event

IF you thought the State of Origin represented the ultimate rivalry match between two teams in sport, then think again.

The Inala community will soon be divided in two, with the region's mixed Oz Tag competition set to kick off in August.

With Inala Ave set as the boundary line, players from the Biota St side of the community will come up against those from the Skylark St side.

The event will be held at the Wests Inala Junior Rugby League Football Field and will feature a number of teams of different age groups, from five to seven-years-old, and 30 and over.

Oz Tag enthusiast Graham Douglas said he would represent one of the Biota St sides and was looking forward to the friendly competition.

"I play Oz Tag each Monday night," the 17-year-old said. "It's a good game that allows people to have a lot of fun."

Mr Douglas said it would be interesting to see which side of Inala had the better players.

The event is organised by Inala Wangarra - an Indigenous community development organisation that aimed to build on the strengths of the Indigenous community in Inala.

Inala Wangarra sport and recreation officer Shannon Turbane said there had been a growing rivalry between teams as he recruited players for the event.

"I think both sides want to win for bragging rights," Mr Turbane said. "Already we have family members and friends that grew up together playing each other."

But Mr Turbane said the competition's main purpose was to bring the community together in a fun and positive environment.

The Inala mixed Oz Tag competition will be held on Saturday, August 11, from 9am to 2pm.

Players wanting to take part must currently live or have grown up living in the Inala community and need to be of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander decent.

To nominate or more information contact Shannon Turbine at sportandrec@inalawangarra.com.au or phone 3217 0453.