Almost 3000 people will take part in major sporting competitions across Warrnambool this weekend.
The Warrnambool City Council is proud to support the Surf Life Saving Victoria Junior Championships, the Warrnambool Lawn Open Tennis Tournament and the Seaside Volleyball Tournament - all of which will be held in the city from March 7-9.
Warrnambool Mayor Tony Herbert said that about 1500 nippers will take to the beach while 800 tennis players and 600 volleyball players will take to their respective courts.
"Warrnambool has a well-earned reputation for being an excellent host city for major sporting events," he said.
"Events like these are very important to the city, and the economic activity that they generate is considerable.
"Competing at a high level and travelling go hand in hand, so while I am excited to welcome so many visitors to Australia's most liveable city, hosting major sporting events in Warrnambool makes it easier for more local competitors and supporters to be involved.
"Council is proud to support each of these events, but they simply wouldn't happen without the continued efforts of some very dedicated volunteers, so I'd like to thank them for all that they do."
Tennis tournament set to smash new ground
In possibly an Australian first, the winner of the Open Ladies' Singles Tournament will win more money than her male counterpart.
Warrnambool Lawn Tennis Club President Kim Tobin said that to tie in with International Women's Day, sponsorship has been obtained to double the prize money for the Open Ladies' Singles Tournament to $5000. The winner of the Open Men's Singles Tournament will receive $2500.
"This event coincides with International Women's Day this weekend. That's why we're trying to highlight and support young women in tennis," Ms Tobin said.
"They will receive double the prize money of the men for the first time.
"We're really appreciative of Entry Education who supported this notion… we're thrilled with this sponsorship.
"It's quite unique. We're very proud of what we're doing for the first time here and hopefully it continues into the future."
Spectators can cheer on local ace Eloise Swarbrick, who will be competing in the Open Ladies' event.
Ms Tobin encouraged everyone to come along to the 70th Lawn Tennis Open and watch some quality tennis, with over 1100 matches taking place over the three days.
"We have attracted a very strong field of players who tour around the country playing AMT events.
"It will be very hard fought. It will be high quality tennis and we are really looking forward to an exciting weekend.
"We will have come cracker matches on Sunday afternoon once we get to the semi-finals of the ladies' and men's and then Monday morning the men's final will be at 9am and the ladies' final will be on about 11am."
Strong South Australian contingent to compete in volleyball tournament
Much like the Lawn Tennis Open, the Seaside Volleyball Tournament has a long and proud history, with Warrnambool Volleyball Association Committee Member Rachelle Casley highlighting that the event is now in its 46th year.
"We have 72 teams entered," she said.
"We've got about 20 teams coming from South Australia three or four from Tasmania and possibly one from New South Wales"
"Because we have the lead up to the state league competition which runs in Melbourne from April until about September, a lot of teams use this as their warm-up."
Ms Casley invited everyone to watch the action and learn a little bit more about volleyball.
"People generally have a good idea about the other sports around the region, but don't understand what is required of volleyball. It's a very intense, fast-paced, quick thinking game," she said.
Everyone loves coming to Warrnambool
2020 sees Warrnambool host the Surf Life Saving Victoria Junior Championships for the sixth time in seven years.
Warrnambool Surf Life Saving Club Director of Junior Activities Clint Joseph said that Warrnambool was the perfect setting for the Junior Championships.
"Warrnambool is fantastic for large ocean carnivals," he said.
"We've got a large beach we can utilise. Access to the beach, safety response and emergency response is really great.
"Also if the wind and swell gets up we can move to a safer and smaller area so we are guaranteed that we can get through the carnival.
"The parents, supporters and officials all love coming to Warrnambool, it's so easy to get here.
"Everyone is staying at the caravan parks and walking over to the beach.
"The Council has done a fantastic job in supporting us to get everything ready, so we're looking forward to a fantastic weekend."
How to watch
Spectators are welcome at all three events. The Surf Life Saving Victoria Junior Championships will be held on the Warrnambool Main Beach, the tennis tournament is at the Warrnambool Lawn Tennis Club on Pertobe Road while the volleyball tournament is at the Warrnambool Stadium on Caramut Road.
