TUNING UP: Lismore Masters Games softballers will head to Sydney for the World Masters Games next month. They are, back from left, Lee Millward, Jenny Curry, Kimm Giacobetti, Trish Claydon, Vicki Morris, Val McLean, Lynne Brown, Julie Cowan, Sandra Cowan; front, Tracey Johnson, Sharon Hinds, Suellen Purshe. Cathy Adams
Local
FNC softballers set to take on the world
WHILE most are enjoying the fun and frivolity of the sixth Lismore Masters Games this weekend, one local team is using the three-day event as a stepping stone to a bigger stage.
The Far North Coast Over-35s softball team has entered the World Masters Games in Sydney next month and will be among 50,000 participants.
“It is kind of a warm-up this weekend but all the players are playing with different teams,” team spokeswoman Trish Claydon said.
“We head down to Sydney on October 9 and play 10 games through to the 18th.
“It should be exciting playing teams from all over. The draw is being done again so we don’t know who we’re playing yet.”
Many of the FNC team have played together previously and have won medals at Masters Games as far away as Alice Springs.
Asked if they could win a medal in Sydney, Claydon played a straight bat.
“It will be tough but we’ll give it our best shot,” she said.
Counting against the FNC team is the fact they are playing in the Over-35 category.
Most of the team is aged over 50 but the involvement of a few younger players has forced them to go down in age divisions.
This weekend the Albert Park facility is one of the busiest in Lismore as it hosts baseball and softball.
Netball remains the biggest participant sport but soccer and softball are not far behind.
More than 2000 participants have registered to contest the Masters Games this year, which is expected to bring in almost $1 million to local businesses.
The opening ceremony was held last night at the Lismore Workers Club, with activities set to conclude tomorrow afternoon.
The Far North Coast Over-35s softball team has entered the World Masters Games in Sydney next month and will be among 50,000 participants.
“It is kind of a warm-up this weekend but all the players are playing with different teams,” team spokeswoman Trish Claydon said.
“We head down to Sydney on October 9 and play 10 games through to the 18th.
“It should be exciting playing teams from all over. The draw is being done again so we don’t know who we’re playing yet.”
Many of the FNC team have played together previously and have won medals at Masters Games as far away as Alice Springs.
Asked if they could win a medal in Sydney, Claydon played a straight bat.
“It will be tough but we’ll give it our best shot,” she said.
Counting against the FNC team is the fact they are playing in the Over-35 category.
Most of the team is aged over 50 but the involvement of a few younger players has forced them to go down in age divisions.
This weekend the Albert Park facility is one of the busiest in Lismore as it hosts baseball and softball.
Netball remains the biggest participant sport but soccer and softball are not far behind.
More than 2000 participants have registered to contest the Masters Games this year, which is expected to bring in almost $1 million to local businesses.
The opening ceremony was held last night at the Lismore Workers Club, with activities set to conclude tomorrow afternoon.
