PROSERPINE is set to come alive with about 4,800 junior rugby league players, coaches, helpers and their families hitting the town over the weekend of September 20 and 21, 2025.
This is the 17th year that the Paul Bowman Challenge has been held and, this year, there is a record 88 Queensland teams registered to attend.
Along with the games, which are played by Under-9s, one of the most spectacular sites will be the Sam Faust Memorial Relay, scheduled at 12pm on Sunday.
Possibly the largest relay in Queensland, with 880 kids involved, including 88 kids on the starting line, running across the fields and passing off a footy to the following runners.
“The colours of 88 different team uniforms, the crowd cheering, the laughter and the excitement make this relay unique,” a spokesperson said.
“The Paul Bowman Challenge is a showcase event for the Whitsundays.”
Returning this year is the monster raffle with fantastic prizes, including signed football jerseys, boat tours around the Whitsundays, accommodation packages, restaurant vouchers, and spa and beauty treatments, with funds raised helping to deliver next year’s challenge.
Co-founder of the Paul Bowman Challenge Brad Henry said the primary focus was participation, sportsmanship, and the kids having fun.
Brad also said many local kids took on essential roles including refereeing, lines people, assisting in the office and generally helping, which is terrific for personal development.
With so many families coming for the carnival, the accommodation, apartments, and caravan parks from Proserpine to Airlie Beach will be busy.
Another benefit of the event is that many families will stay a few days after the carnival to enjoy the area, which will help the local economy.
It is made possible by the generous support of Paul Bowman, the Whitsunday Regional Council, the NRL and QRL, the Cowboys, plus many other sponsors, volunteers and site vendors.
Everyone is welcome to attend the Proserpine Junior Sporting Complex and witness these Under-9 boys and girls playing junior rugby league, while friends and families have fun spectating.
