Sportfest – A new festival coming to Lake Macquarie this weekend

Looking for a fun family activity to do during the spring school holidays? Sport NSW Member, the Hunter Academy of Sport are hosting SportsFest an all ages - free family fun day at Speers Point Park on October 9^th.

Imagine all of your favourite sports dotted along Speers Point Park encouraging you to get active and involved in something you love or to try something new.

This new events stems from the original Festival of Sport, an iconic two week event in the Hunter region for sport enthusiasts.

For the past 25+ years, sporting organisations across the Hunter opened their doors to new participants during the school holidays giving kids the opportunity to try something new. When Brett O’Farrell took on his role as Chief Executive Officer of the Hunter Academy in 2015 he had a bigger idea for the festival.

“I looked out the window of our office at No. 2 Sportsground and envisaged the grounds covered in children and families trying 10 to 20 new sports and getting active in one place instead of driving kilometres across the Hunter. Thanks to our partnership with Lake Macquarie City Council, Greater Bank, Defence Force Recruiting and Hunter Water, that dream has become a reality in SportsFest.”

Athletics NSW, AFL NSW, Jack Newton Junior Golf and PGA Australia, Baseball NSW, Softball NSW, Rugby NSW and Viva7s, Triathlon NSW, NSA Lacrosse and many more will be on hand to give kids a try through various drills, skill development, inflatable batting cages and hitting bays. There will also be a rock climbing wall in the park giving participants the opportunity to try one of the new sports that will be featured in the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo.

“This event is not only for the young at age, it’s for the young at heart. I want dads, mums, older brothers, and younger brothers, younger sisters, and older sisters to come along, and enjoy themselves. Try a sports or activity you have never done before. [At SportsFest] you can smash a baseball into a cage, have your arm speed records, you can sail, you can rock climb, you can surf, you can play lacrosse, you can jump run, throw, and have all your efforts recorded. Who knows, you may just find a sport you love that you’ve never played before,” said O’Farrell.

A few of your market favourite food stalls will be on hand offering up tasty lunches, while Planet Fitness group trainers will showcase their talent on the stage for participants to enjoy. A full schedule of events will be listed on the Hunter Academy website.

So what are you waiting for? Brush off that dusty glove, throw on your joggers, grab the family and come on down to Speers Point Park on October 9th for a festival unlike any you’ve seen before!

The SportsFest Family 5k and 10k Fun Run

Tighten those laces and get ready to make a difference for Cancer Council NSW (Hunter) at SportsFest with the SportsFest Family 5k and 10k Fun Run. Before exploring all of the sports in Speers Point Park grab the family and go for a run around the beautiful Lake Macquarie.

Whether you’re in it for a fun day out, or to achieve a personal best, you can make every step count by fundraising as part of your run.

Cancer Council NSW (Hunter) relies on the generosity of their supporters to be able to help those in need. Funds raised through events like SportsFest are crucial in enabling Cancer Council NSW (Hunter) to continue their work in the community. They couldn’t do their work without the help of dedicated fundraisers like you – every bit of effort counts and any amount you raise is so appreciated.

Let’s run, and together make a difference for the better to those who need it most!

The Hunter Academy of Sport is proud to support Cancer Council NSW (Hunter) as the major beneficiary of SportsFest with a portion of all profit from the day going directly to support the CCNSW Hunter and the Hunter community. 

EVENT DETAILS:

When: Sunday 9 October, 2016
Where: Speers Point Park, Speers Point NSW 2284

Time: 10am - 4pm / Fun Run to begin at 11am
Cost: SportsFest, FREE! / Fun Run $20, proceeds to benefit Cancer Council NSW Hunter 

Information and Registration:  

http://www.hunteracademy.org.au/sportsfest (for printed materials, general info)

http://sportsfest.gofundraise.com.au/ (web link, specific to Fun Run Rego)

Contact: Andrea Ciotti, Hunter Academy of Sport, andrea@hunteracademy.org.au