Rally, set, match - Atalanta Jamboree Badminton Championships to serve up fierce competition

Locals can expect to watch some fierce competition when more than 360 competitors take over council’s Caloundra Indoor Stadium courts for the Australasian Atalanta Jamboree Ladies Badminton Championship from October 14-20.

Division 2 Councillor Tim Dwyer said Caloundra was last chosen for the Australasian Atalanta Jamboree Ladies Badminton Championship in 2012 and he was looking forward to welcoming the competitors back in for their 36th annual outing.

“Caloundra is definitely going to be the place to be with major events such as Caloundra Music Festival and these badminton championships coming our way,” Cr Dwyer said.

“There is no doubt the economic injection into the local economy from 360 competitors is very much welcomed.

“For some competitors, it may be their first visit to Caloundra and they may return for a longer holiday in the future.”

Event organiser Val Nesbit said the community was invited to attend the championships which will run from 9am to 4pm from October 14-20.

“There will be a round-robin doubles championship on the opening day then preliminary rounds of team contests each day, culminating with finals for all grades on October 20,” she said.

“Seventy-two teams from across Australia and New Zealand take this event extremely seriously and they will be highly competitive.

“Apart from the competition at Caloundra Indoor Stadium, the holidaying players will be eager to explore the attractions, shops, night life and eateries during their week on the Sunshine Coast.

“The ladies also look forward to this annual event, which rotates around the country each year as they forge friendships and are renowned for having just as much fun off the court as on-court.”