Geelong will host the inaugural Festival of Sport this October, with more than 30 sports clinics, stadium tours, come and try events and a kick-to kick on GMHBA Stadium.
The free Kardinia Park event will take place on 6-7 October and offer a taste of the big time with tips from stars of Australia’s biggest sports including AFL, soccer, rugby league and union, cricket, netball and more.
Closing out the festival will be the feature event – a rugby union match between Melbourne Rising and Western Force with National Rugby Championship points up for grabs.
The festival will promote physical activity, health and wellbeing, showcase the diversity of sport in the Geelong region, celebrate the local community’s strong connection with the Kardinia Park precinct and promote Geelong and the Greater Barwon region as a major events and tourism centre.
Fans will also get their chance to showcase their skills at a range of clinics, activation sites and competitions staged throughout Kardinia Park including virtual sailing, stand up paddle boarding, tennis, roller derby and more.
There will also be an opportunity to meet some of Australia’s biggest sports stars and be photographed with some of the nation’s most prized trophies including the Australian Open Men’s and Women’s cups, the Hyundai A-league championship trophy, the NRL Premiership Trophy and the ICC World T20 men’s and women’s trophies.
The weekend festival also includes Charles Brownlow Stand tours allowing fans to experience the Geelong Cats inner sanctum as well as kick-to kick on GMHBA Stadium, family entertainment and exhibitions.
The Andrews Labor Government is proud to partner with the City of Greater Geelong and a range of sports to secure this fantastic showcase through the latest round of our $17.7 million Significant Sporting Events Program and Regional Events Fund.
Quote attributable to Minister for Sport John Eren
“We invested in Kardina Park so it can host the best events and bring the community together – this event will do both while encouraging people of all ages to get out and get active.”
Quote attributable to Member for Geelong Christine Couzens
“Kardinia Park is a wonderful precinct, and this will be a great opportunity for locals and visitors to get to know it better while enjoying the benefits of being active and meeting some of Australia’s biggest sports stars.”
Quote attributable to Kardinia Park Stadium Trust Chair Michael Malouf
“We’re throwing open the doors of the stadium for the community to explore and get involved, Kardinia Park is their park and I hope they get down to the festival and have a go at something new.”
Quote attributable to City of Greater Geelong Mayor Bruce Harwood
“With more than 4.3 million visitors to Geelong and the Bellarine each year, we’re excited for this festival to showcase some of the amazing events and experiences our great region has to offer visitors.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020