Spikers have a winter whack
The Melbourne Spikers GLBTI volleyball club is holding its annual winter tournament, the Winter Whack, on Saturday, June 11 at Kew High School.
The tournament will see GLBTI volleyball teams from all over the country descend on Melbourne to whack some balls around in a fun, friendly and competitive atmosphere.
There has seen a surge in popularity for the Spikers and for the Winter Whack tournament in recent months. Tournament organisers have had to turn away teams wishing to compete due to the venue’s limited capacity.
“We usually cap it at 14 teams because of venue and time constraints but we’ve squeezed in a couple more this time,” Spikers treasurer Lantry Lorenz said.
He attributes this popularity to the organisation’s international exposure earlier in the year.
“I think it definitely has to do with when we went to Wellington for the OutGames and we met some of the other interstate teams from Canberra and Sydney,” Lorenz explained.
“Usually Sydney only sends one or two teams and they’re sending four this time. Canberra is sending a team for the first time in a couple of years.”
The competition runs from 8.30am-5pm. There will be an awards ceremony at the Fox Hotel in Collingwood at 7.30pm.
Lantry encouraged volleyball fans to come and watch the tournament, which promises some fierce competition.
The tournament will be followed by a wine tour on Sunday, June 12 so players, their families and friends will have a chance to socialise off the court.
info: Visit www.melbournespikers.org.au
By BENJAMIN RILEY
