Punting for local sport

SOUTHERN Independent Publishers, publisher of the Lake Times, has come on board as major sponsor of the South Coast Spring into Sport Festival in October.

“We see this event as a way of helping promote the sporting lifestyle we enjoy in the Illawarra area,” SIP’s managing publisher Joanne Barr said. “Southern Independent Publishers is pleased to lend its support to this wonderful initiative of Kiama Municipal Council.”

The week-long celebration of sport, which promotes the healthy lifestyle enjoyed by residents of the South Coast, will provide a great day out for thousands of visitors and residents.

Sports lovers are expected to take advantage of the information, demonstrations, displays and advice about the latest in health and sporting activities all under the one roof and take part in a five-kilometre fun run.

Businesses will benefit from the opportunity to showcase products and services, raise their profile, attract new clients and network with like-minded people.

It will end with the Kiama Rotary Club, Kiama Lions Club and Kiama Sports Assoc-iation Gala Charity Dinner and announcement of the Kiama Independent Sport Star of The Year on October 11.

The eight-day festival will be launched with a cocktail party at Kiama Leisure Centre on Friday, October 3, which will include the unveiling of the first Sports Honour Roll.

Kiama Council is seeking nominations for the Honour Roll. To be eligible for nomination, individuals need to have competed or participated at an elite level of sport; have lived in the Kiama region for at least 10 years, shown good sportsmanship and have been retired from competitive sport for at least two years.

On Saturday, the festival will come to life for the Sport Health and Leisure Expo, which will showcase a healthy mix of the sport, health and leisure products and services available on the South Coast. Local businesses, corporate sponsors and community groups are now able to book a booth.

Businesses can book online or for more details call Megan Hutchison on 0407 289 947 or Carole Johnson at JAi Events on 4237 5554 – or to book a booth, table or to register interest in the fun run or nominate for the Honour Roll.

There will be a 5km fun run around beautiful Kiama Harbour. Former Australian Rugby League star Rod Wishart, who is ambassador of the event, will fire the starter’s gun to begin the day’s events. This is a great opportunity to enjoy the region’s picturesque coastal qualities while taking-in some exercise.

The festivities will wrap up on Saturday, October 11, with the Gala Charity Sports Dinner at the Leisure Centre.

It will be a full night of entertainment, with the return of the Kiama Independent Sports Star Award, guest speaker former Australian cricketer Kerry O’Keeffe, music by FABBA and a sports memorabilia auction.

Tickets, which include a buffet dinner, are $60 a head and are available at Kiama Newsagency in Terralong St.