Sports day makes waves

Alcohol-free community events are few and far between but hundreds of people flocked to Footscray Park last Sunday for Midsumma Festival’s second annual sports day.

Organisers said the day was significant in promoting the community’s sporting culture as well as healthy event alternatives during the festival.

Ten different sporting groups ran games and drills for at least 700 attendees who joined in.

Midsumma sports day production manager Ashley Hints said it was important for people to know how accessible these sports and healthier lifestyles were.

“It’s really important to give people who are into sports a forum to meet and be together and participate together that is not necessarily sitting there and watching a show or going to another party,” she said.

Team Melbourne president Malcolm Campbell said this year’s event had been bigger and better.

“It’s been a very successful day we’re very happy with what’s happened with the turnout,” he said.

“It’s about being a ‘come try it’ day, so getting new people to come along and try a new sport and find one they like.

“For the clubs, it’s about getting their brand out there but also hoping they attracting new members.”

“It’s a great chance for us to get to know the other GLTB sporting groups in Melbourne, experience their training and share our sport with potential players,” said Andrew Sciberras, water polo captain for the Melbourne Surge.

The day was presented by Team Melbourne and City of Maribyrnong with Midsumma.

Photo: Joy Chung.