Oztag Juniors arrive for weekend Cup battle

The playing fields of Sunshine Coast Stadium were awash with colour and kids as more than 160 teams congregated for the annual Oztag Junior State Cup competition this weekend.

The Oztag movement, which incorporates a popular sport safely played by people aged six to 60, is growing year-on-year, as are the junior and senior titles – both of which hold their contests here on the Coast; the senior titles take place in March.

“This year we have no less than 164 junior teams attending and competing this weekend,” said Deputy Mayor Chris Thompson, who opened today’s event.

“They have come from as far afield as North Cairns down to the Tweed Coast and along with the senior titles to be held here in March, some 10,000 competitors will have taken part in these titles in 2015.”

The fixtures will be played across the weekend, with grand finals played on Sunday afternoon. Spectators are welcome.

Cr Thompson said while many participants had attended previous Oztag Cup events here, new visitors were making their first appearance, helping boost Coast tourism.

“Many of you, I know, will have come here to the Coast for previous competitions, and many of you will have been here on holiday in the past – so you already know just how great the Sunshine Coast is,” he said.

“So I say to the rest of you: enjoy the competition, play hard – and also make sure you take a good look around our piece of paradise here.”