The $21 million state-of-the-art sporting venue was officially opened by the Hon Damian Drum MP, Federal Member for Murray, Mr Mark Gepp MP, Member for Northern Victoria and Greater Shepparton City Council Mayor Cr Dinny Adem.
The celebration took place at the Main Pavilion which involved local sporting groups taking to the field to showcase their sport, with Olympic and Commonwealth Games medallist John Steffensen and home-grown hockey royalty and Olympic gold medallist Louise Dobson discussing the value of regionally-based competition and sporting facilities.
The official opening included the unveiling of the name and brand of the site – Shepparton Sports City – with the identity representing the energy and celebration of all sport and competition for all people.
“Shepparton Sports City is a shining example of what can be achieved when the three tiers of government work together,” suggests Greater Shepparton City Council Mayor Cr Dinny Adem. “Collectively we have funded the creation of an international standard sporting facility that will have a long lasting legacy not only for the Greater Shepparton community but the sports that call Sports City home.”
Member for Northern Victoria Mark Gepp MP said “Sport is the great for the community on so many levels, it keeps people fit, it creates economic activity and is socially cohesive. Sports City is a wonderful addition to the sporting infrastructure of Victoria and I congratulate everyone involved in this marvellous project”.
The opening celebration will culminate with the A-league Friendly football match between Melbourne City and Western Sydney Wanderers occurring this evening at 7.30pm.
“This is a chance to showcase our fantastic state-of-the-art football facilities as well as an opportunity for our local soccer community to experience big time football on our doorstep”, says Cr Adem. “I encourage all sporting lovers to get along to the game as it’s not every day you get the chance to watch football at this level in your own backyard.”
For more information about Shepparton Sports City visit: www.greatershepparton.com.au
