THE 2024 Paul Bowman Junior Rugby League Challenge, on the weekend, was a huge success.
About 4,500 Under 9s rugby league players converged on the Proserpine Junior Sporting Complex, over two days (September 14 and 15, 2024).
With the coaches, helpers and families who came with them, it was quite a crowd!
In all, 80 Queensland teams competed, from the far north to the far south, and the outback.
The primary focus of the annual challenge is participation, sportsmanship and the kids having fun.
As well, the Sam Faust Memorial Relay – possibly the largest relay in Queensland with 800 kids involved – was run at 12pm, on Sunday, making for a spectacular sight.
“The colours of 80 different team uniforms, crowds cheering, the laughter and the excitement make this relay unique,” organiser Al Grundy said.
“I’d like to thank all the volunteers on the weekend, but especially Anara, who was the official timekeeper for all 320 games, and also supported with public announcements.
“Also Ruth Grundy, who chaperoned Paul Bowman and helped with the management of the teams with the autographs and team photos with Paul.
“We were also honoured on the weekend to have Cowboys players Coen Hess and Zac Laybutt, who were very popular with the players and their families.”
Mr Grundy said Mayor Collins had spent four hours at the grounds, on Sunday.
“This really backed up the support we received from Whitsunday Regional Council for the event,” he said.
There was also a monster raffle with many fantastic prizes, including signed football jerseys. The money raised goes to help fund next year’s challenge.
The Paul Bowman Challenge is a showcase event for the Whitsundays, drawing thousands of people to the region, who spend money on accommodation, eating out and tours.
It is made possible by the generous support of Whitsunday Regional Council, the NRL and QRL, the Cowboys, plus many other sponsors, volunteers and vendors, who attend over the weekend.
