The annual SSPA National Sporting Weekend saw its 15th anniversary in June this year. Established in 1995, this weekend was originally introduced to provide opportunities for people with short stature to play competitive sport against others like themselves. It began with the state of origin match between the New South Wales and Victorian basketball teams, and has since progressed into a weekend that provides competitive sporting opportunities for all who attend.

Since 1995, Leanne Wegener has coordinated the organisation of this wonderful event and we thank her for all of her time and effort. The weekend has grown from strength to strength and has turned itself into a mini-convention. This year saw its largest attendance with over 85 people joining us at the Lake Hume Resort. Included in the attendance were the likes of Jonathon and Anne Battista as well as Jo Bracknell who travelled all the way from WA and Nikki, Dave and Kayde who joined us for the first time. 

Our Sports Coordinator, Tom Carney, worked hard in organising all of the sporting arrangements for the weekend. Not only did he trial an alternative stadium but he also introduced some new sports, those being badminton and boccia. Set up as a competitive tournament, these sports offered the opportunity for people to trial the likes of similar games played at the World Dwarf Games. Congratulations to Michael Blair and Dalton Ong for taking out the doubles badminton tournament, and to the many finalists who made it through in Boccia. Both sports were very popular and they will certainly be back on the agenda in 2011. 

With the World Dwarf Games over for the time being, the State of Origin basketball clash for the Rosemary Hobbs Trophy was back on. The Victorian and NSW basketball teams played it out in what was a very competitive and very skilful match. The Victorians were fortunate to bring home the trophy, beating NSW 34–19 but it was not without a fight. Well done to Nathan Stewart who was awarded MVP for the match – well deserved Nath! 

I’d like to take this opportunity to thank some key people that helped make this weekend the success that it was:

*       Leanne Wegener: on Sunday, Leanne was recognised by the SSPA for her efforts in organising the annual National Sporting Weekend. A trophy has been dedicated to Leanne to be awarded to a  participant from the weekend who gives that little bit extra. More details can be read about this award later in the journal.

*      Tom Carney: for finding a new and great sports stadium, for all his work in organising and coordinating the sports for the weekend, and for his marvellous assistant coaching role of the Victorian basketball team.

*     Marg Daly: without a doubt, Marg is always there to lend a helping hand, whether it be cleaning up at the end of the evening, counting monies or giving some moral support. Thanks also for your wonderful coaching efforts of the Victorian team.

*      Our Sunday night soup makers: Gail Young, Leanne Wegener, Megan Lilly and Team Carney n’ Daly: Jo, Marg, Kerryn and Tim. And to Marie for making her ever-so-yummy slices.

*      Sarah Whitaker: for assisting with the boccia tournament and the Dutch auction.

*      Troy Parker: for his regular “Auctioneer” role around the BBQ pit.

*      Our basketball scorers and sound engineers: Graci Lynch, Sarah Whitaker, Fergus Bunn, Rob Millard and Tim Carney.

*      Margherita Coppolino: for her snappy photography, for providing our IT facilities and for all her sound knowledge with the game of boccia.

*      Leon Lilly: for providing a leading hand to the NSW basketball team. 

Plans for the 2011 National Sporting Weekend are already underway. Given the unfortunate meal on Friday night at the Resort restaurant, we have been discussing alternative options. The Resort can offer bbq packs for group bookings at $15 per person. These packs include meat, bread and salads (vegetarian options available). It is envisaged that the group would congregate around the campfire pit to enjoy their dinner. We would appreciate your feedback on this option for next year’s weekend. Other alternatives discussed have included fish and chips or pizza. 

The Lake Hume Resort have also informed us that in 2011 there will be a wedding held onsite over the Queen’s Birthday long-weekend, they suggest that you get your bookings in fast to make sure you secure a room. 

In closing, I’d like to thank everyone who attended the weekend and I look forward to seeing you all back again in 2011. Please feel free to forward any feedback or suggestions for the weekend to me via email at: tripp.meredith.m@edumail.vic.gov.au  

Meredith Tripp                 

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