CITY NETS SUPER NETBALL FIXTURE IN COUP FOR WOMEN’S SPORT

Cairns set to host September Super Netball fixture

FAR North netball fans will be able to ride every deflection, intercept and super shot when the world’s premier netball competition comes to Cairns next month.

Member for Cairns Michael Healy revealed Far North Queensland would soon host a Super Netball fixture for the first time in the history of the competition.

The Cairns pop-up arena, which is nearing completion in the old Bunnings Warehouse site on Spence St, will host one game during rounds 10-14, with the date and teams still to be confirmed.

The arena is scheduled to be finished by the end of next week.

Former Australian Diamonds representative Sharon FinnanWhite said there would be a wealth of opportunities for netball to grow in the Far North when the Super Netball competition makes its way to the region.

“It’s important for the up-and-coming kids to see the elite players as it gives them something to aspire to,” she said.

“A lot of girls who live in regions have always found it harder to get through the pathway, simply because they live in a regional area.

“I think having a Super Netball game here will just raise a bit more awareness for those young girls who are thinking about what netball could look like for them.”

Finnan-White said it would also be great to have netball front and centre in the region to promote women’s sports.

“Hopefully it might help to increase participation in the region,” she said.

Healy said hosting a Super Netball fixture was “a great win for Cairns”.

“There’s no doubt that

Cairns is building its reputation in its capacity to host national and world-class events, welcoming the Super Netball, AFL, the Targa Great Barrier Reef and the iconic Cairns

Ironman,” he said. “These events will deliver more than 10,000 visitor nights in Queensland, pumping millions of dollars into the economy.”

Suncorp Super Netball chief executive Chris Symington said the league was thrilled to be bringing a match to Cairns.

“We know there are lots of Suncorp Super Netball fans right throughout Far North Queensland so we’re excited that the 2020 season has provided the opportunity to bring a game to Cairns,” he said.

“The league thanks the Queensland Government and Cairns Regional Council for their ongoing support of the 2020 Suncorp Super Netball season and look forward to confirming the detail of this match in the coming weeks.”