Ipswich hosts massive titles

Netball | 4th June 2009

Queensland Times

SOME might call her crazy, insane even.

The thought of organising Queensland's biggest junior netball carnival would make anyone's head spin.

More than 100 tents, 30 port-a-loos, parking, accommodation, safety, umpires and feeding more than 4000 people will be Gail Lyne and Ipswich netball's responsibility this week.

It's a massive task, but it will be the fourth time Lyne has taken the job on as president of the Ipswich Netball Association.

It will also be the second time in three years Ipswich has hosted the huge event, the perfect venue as the only association to have 24 hard surface courts under lights.

“It's going to be a nightmare,” Lyne said while in preparation mode last week.

“But we are ready.

“It actually does get easier the more you do them.

“It really is a great thing for the community to be hosting.

“I think too when all the (committee) members come from across the region and when it's done they have pride in themselves and realise 'yeah we've actually done this, we've put this on'.

“An organisation is only as good as its members and we'd never get all this done without them.”

One hundred and sixty-five teams from 52 associations state-wide will pack the Limestone Park courts for the annual state championships across the long weekend.

Ipswich will field four teams across the age groups, with the under 15s stepping up to the champion division after they won the 14 Reserve One title last year.

“I just want them to get out there and have fun in representing their town,” Lyne said.

“As long as their giving it 100 per cent.

“Just go out there and bust a gut as they say.”

Queensland Firebirds coach and former Australian captain Vicki Wilson and Firebirds team members will also be scouting the courts for any upcoming talent.

Games start Saturday and finish on Monday.

- Kristen Burrows