The games are open to all current and retired employees of Department of Education and Training (DET), all staff from Catholic and independent schools in the State of Victoria.
Greater Shepparton Mayor Dennis Patterson said this event builds on Greater Shepparton’s reputation as a leading regional sporting event destination.
“This event will see more than 2500 teachers converge on Greater Shepparton, with an estimated economic benefit of more than $ 3 million across our tourism, accommodation, hospitality and retail sectors,” Cr Patterson said.
“The event compliments other major events to be held in our region this year including the recently hosted AFL Nab Challenge Game between Hawthorn and North Melbourne, next month’s Junior Davis and Federation Cup Asia Oceania Qualifying tie, July’s Nationals MotorX championships and Septembers Cycling Australia Junior Road Cycling Championships.”
“This will be a great opportunity for our region to profile our outstanding facilities and for local clubs and associations to be involved to raise funds and build their capacity to host significant major events”
School Sport Victoria CEO Jude Maguire said the event is designed be an enjoyable and social experience providing teachers with a chance to relax and have fun. Many schools take the opportunity for staff to participate in professional development and team building activities.
“We plan to increase the number of competitions with AFL 9s and Tennis Hot Shots expected to be added to the program plus the inaugural ‘Fastest Teacher in Victoria’ sprint event at the redeveloped Shepparton Showgrounds will be a new highlight.” Ms Maguire said.
“We look forward to coming to Shepparton and working with Council who have put in an outstanding pitch and seeing the local businesses and community get behind the event”
There will be over 30 sports and activities to be played include lawn bowls, basketball, bubble football, dodge ball, AFL 9’s, golf, go carts, ultimate frisbee, road cycling, ten pin bowling, fishing, archery, running, walking, amazing raze, netball, volleyball, hockey, mountain bike, touch football, softball, mini golf, shooting (various disciplines) badminton, croquet, indoor soccer, tennis, beach volleyball, table tennis, orienteering, triathlon and trivia.
The 2015 event will be held from Sunday 20 September to Wednesday 23 September and will be the twentieth occurrence of the games that were first held in Geelong in 1996. Since the annual event the games have been hosted in regional centres around Victoria with the 2014 being hosted in Bendigo seeing 2100 participants.
