Gypsies hit the road to play at nationals

The Orange-based ultimate frisbee player is headed to Wollongong this weekend to compete at the Australian Division 2 Ultimate Championships with the Inland Gypsies.

It’s the third time the Gypsies have taken part in the national championships, and 2018 will also see four women make their national tournament debut.

Stuart said the Gypsies were “nervous” but excited.

“The Gypsies will always be nervous going into a tournament at this level. It’s an achievement to just travel the distances for so many women from all over western NSW,” she said.

“I am feeling optimistic that the team will come together well and the new players will really lift their game against the competitors from all around Australia.”

A total of 40 teams are set to take part in the weekend’s titles at Wollongong’s Thomas Dalton Park, across men’s and women’s divisions.

Fellow western NSW side the Nomads will compete in the 24-team men’s competition.

Stuart said it was a great opportunity to make new friends and catch-up with old ones across Australia’s tight-knit ultimate community.

“I am personally excited to get to play ultimate for three whole days with a great group of women,” she said.

“It’s such a great sport, with a brilliant atmosphere at a large tournament like this one.”

The National Championships cap off another terrific season for the Gypsies, which saw them launch women’s learn-to-play sessions in Dubbo, train in Bathurst, and host their first ever tournament – The Dreamcatcher Cup – in Orange.

To follow the Gypsies progress from Friday to Sunday, visit www.facebook.com/inlandgypsiesultimate/