WITH less than a week until the 2024 Paul Bowman Junior Rugby League Challenge takes place, Proserpine is on high alert!
The town will come alive with about 4,500 players, coaches, helpers and their families, this weekend (September 14 and 15, 2024).
From the far north to the far south and outback, 80 Queensland teams will make their way to Proserpine for this year’s challenge, which sees Under 9s boys and girls battle it out.
The fun kicks off from 7.45am, on Saturday, at the Proserpine Junior Sporting Complex.
Along with the games, 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 800 kids involved – 80 kids on the starting line, running across the fields and passing off a footy to the following runners.
The colours of 80 different team uniforms, crowds cheering, the laughter and the excitement make this relay unique.
Returning this year is the monster raffle with fantastic prizes, including signed football jerseys, Whitsunday boat tours, accommodation packages, restaurant vouchers, and spa and beauty treatments, with the money raised to help fund next year’s challenge.
Game Day Manager Don McDermid said the primary focus was participation, sportsmanship and the kids having fun.
Don 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.
Challenge Committee coordinator Bec Watts said the planning was well advanced and, with such a significant event, it would be ‘all hands on deck’ for the next few days to prepare the grounds, mark the fields, set up the carparks and be ready to welcome the visitors to the region.
“With so many families coming for the carnival, the accommodation, apartments and caravan parks, from Proserpine to Airlie Beach, are busy,” she said.
“Another benefit of this event is that many families will stay a few days after the carnival to enjoy the area, which will help our local economy.”
The Paul Bowman Challenge is a showcase event for the Whitsundays.
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.
Everyone is welcome to attend the Proserpine Junior Sporting Complex and witness the under 9 boys and girls playing junior rugby league, while friends and families have fun spectating.
For event information email paul.bowman.challenge@gmail.com.
