Chinchilla Polocrosse Club will this month host the 2024 Australian Polocrosse Nationals.
Starting on 24 June, the biennial event will see 40 top-tier teams from Queensland, NSW, Victoria, the Northern Territory and West Australia compete for the prestigious title of the “best in Australia“.
Polocrosse – often described as rugby on horseback – is a thrilling sport that showcases horsemanship, athleticism and incredible hand-eye coordination.
Chinchilla Australian Polocrosse Nationals organising committee chair John Mullins said he was excited to bring this elite level of competition to the Western Downs region.
“To have the opportunity to showcase the best our sport has to offer to our local community and to showcase our region to the polocrosse community is a huge honour,” said Mr Mullins who has played polocrosse for 43 years.
“With just weeks to go, anticipation is building among players, families and fans alike for what promises to be an unforgettable event.
“Our club, which has about 80 active club members, is working very hard to ensure that this is the best Nationals to date.“
Not only will the region have world-class sporting action on its doorstep for seven big days, it will also benefit economically from the influx of visitors to the region.
Western Downs Regional Council spokesperson for Tourism and Recreational Spaces Councillor Kaye Maguire said the Western Downs was well-placed to host premier events.
She congratulated the Chinchilla Polocrosse Club for its success in securing the national championships.
“Major events like the Australian Polocrosse Nationals energise our economy and provide fantastic social benefits for residents and visitors alike,“ Ms Maguire said.
“Our region is a premier host destination for major sporting and cultural events and we are so thrilled to have this invaluable opportunity to promote the Western Downs and the people who make it.
“We’re excited to host the 2024 Australian Polocrosse Nationals on home soil and look forward to welcoming competitors and visitors in June.“
Every state has an opportunity to host the Nationals on a rotational basis and Polocrosse Australia president Mick Templeton knows Chinchilla will be a class act.
“Chinchilla has proven they can run fantastic large-scale events, in particular with their initiative the ‘Stud Cup’,” said Mr Templeton.
“Their facilities are excellent for players, horses and spectators so we know everyone is looking forward to descending on Chinchilla.“
While the polocrosse tournament will follow a standard formula, Chinchilla will add its own personality through live music, a mix of evening enterntainment and formal player presentation dinners for both seniors and juniors.
“It will be a night out for all the players and recognition of the teams they’re in as they’re presented and named on stage alongside the coach and manager,“ Mr Mullins said.
“We’ve been going to the Nationals for quite a few years and taking notes.
“And (while) there’s certain protocol that you have to follow, there’s a lot of things you can do to make your event stand out from the crowd.“
* The 2024 Chinchilla Australian Polocrosse Nationals will be held at the Chinchilla Polocrosse Grounds (115 Racecourse Road, Chinchilla) from 24 to 30 June.
* To keep up to date follow @auspolocrossenationals on Facebook or visit www.auspolocrossenationals.com.au
