By Brittany Drysdale
CALLING all softball lovers, the Softball Victoria Masters Championships have returned to Shepparton! Hundreds of softball fanatics returned for the championships- not for the win or the fame, but the love of the game.
The championships took place from Saturday to Monday, June 10-12 at the Mooroopna Recreation Reserve, marking the 25th edition of the Softball Victoria Masters Championships.
The event featured a total of 38 teams, with players from Victoria, Queensland, South Australia, New South Wales, and Tasmania. With approximately 800 players and officials, along with additional support crew and spectators, the event had a significant economic impact, injecting around $1M into the local economy.
GSSC mayor, Cr Shane Sali, expressed his excitement while hosting the championships for the seventh time, highlighting the positive impact on the local economy and the opportunity to showcase the region.
“These events strengthen our reputation as a leading sporting and events capital of regional Australia, while keeping our local economy strong and businesses thriving,” said Cr Shane Sali.
To accommodate the matches, 10 softball diamonds were set up at the Mooroopna Recreation Reserve. The facilities were commended by Softball Victoria state operations manager Justin Zelones, noting the council and local CFA’s fantastic efforts to ensure the grounds were suitable for use after heavy rainfall leading up to the event.
The three-day event was a smash hit with individuals, families, and teams all doing their part to make the championships a glowing success.
“The Masters atmosphere was at its usual standard with many smiling faces and sore bodies,” said Mr Zelones, …”The weekend was one for our softball families to get out of the city and enjoy time and laughter with friends new and old.”
