In Summary
- Greater Shepparton to host the 2024 Hockey Victoria Junior State Championships, Shepparton Squash International, and Fruits of the Valley Cyclo Cross during July school holidays.
- Events expected to attract over 1,500 visitors, providing a significant economic boost to local businesses, including accommodation providers, restaurants, cafes and retailers.
- The Hockey Victoria Junior State Championships will feature an increased number of competitors and special cultural events, including Indigenous artwork and ceremonies.
- The Shepparton Squash International and Fruits of the Valley Cyclo Cross will bring international and local athletes to the region, enhancing Shepparton’s reputation as a premier sporting event destination.
At the same time, Greater Shepparton is gearing up to host the Shepparton Squash International from July 4 to July 7 2024, as well as the Fruits of the Valley Cyclo Cross from July 6 to July 7.
These three events taking place during the July school holidays will provide the region with a huge economic boost, as thousands of competitors, officials and visitors travel to Greater Shepparton to take part in the competitions.
Mayor, Councillor Shane Sali, said the events will have a positive impact on businesses in Greater Shepparton, including accommodation providers, restaurants, cafes and retailers.
“We are excited to be welcoming over 1,500 visitors to the region across the three events to help boost our business sector and enhance our reputation as the regional sporting event capital,” he said.
"We hosted the Hockey Victoria Junior State Championships in 2021 and it is a real feather in our cap and a big tick for Shepparton Sports City that Hockey Victoria have brought the event back to Greater Shepparton with the event traditionally held in Melbourne. We continue to strengthen our relationship with Squash and Racquetball Victoria, having hosted the Shepparton International event for the past decade."
The 2024 Hockey Junior State Championships will have more competitors than ever before. The Under 12s competition will see 25 teams participating over the first two days, seeing an action packed schedule with four Hockey pitches running at once for a total of 86 matches. The Under 14 and Under 16 Girls will then run across the final three days, with 18 teams competing over a total of 60 matches.
General Manager of Events and Commercial at Hockey Victoria, Ben Seccull, highlighted the importance of the event leading into NAIDOC week.
“Hockey Victoria is really excited to have all teams wearing uniforms with wonderful Indigenous artwork designed by Papul Art. There will also be a Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony for both events. This provides a great opportunity for all the participants and spectators to learn a little more about the lands the event is taking place on, as well as the Yorta Yorta people,” he said.
“Hockey Victoria is extremely thankful for the support provided by both Greater Shepparton City Council and the Goulburn Valley Hockey Association.”
The Shepparton Squash International will see players, officials and visitors travelling from twelve different countries. The Professional Squash Association is expecting 48 players from twelve countries in the main draw, which is a 50 per cent increase in participants from last year. The competition will also see approximately 50 competitors in the senior graded event.
Squash and Racquetball Victoria General Manager, Dennis Makaling, said he is was thrilled to see such a large number of participants visiting the region.
“The Shepparton Squash International is in the first year of a new three year partnership with Squash and Racquetball Victoria. There is an exciting mix of local and foreign players, and also upcoming stars and experienced top players,” he said.
The 2024 Fruits of the Valley Cyclo-Cross, hosted by the Shepparton Cycling Club, is another fantastic sporting event that gathers a large crowd to watch some of the best cross country cyclists in Australia.
From Saturday July 6 to Sunday July 7, you can see some of Australia’s best take part in a gruelling, muddy competition that is sure to be an exciting watch. With multiple grades available from elite, masters, novice and junior, it is bound to be an action packed two days.
The Fruits of the Valley Cyclo-Cross will be held at the Shepparton Cycling Club at 96 Packham Street Shepparton. It is a gold coin donation entry that will go towards charity, this is a fully catered event including wood fired pizzas, local beers and ciders, coffee van, specialty BBQ and fully catered canteen.
Get more information on the Hockey State Championships here or email admin@hockeyvictoria.org.au
Find more information on the 2024 Shepparton Squash International here or email competition@squashvic.com.au
Get more information on the Fruits of the Valley Cyclo-Cross 2024 here.
