Dubbo will play host to some of the world’s best ultimate players when the city hosts the NSW Championships later this month.
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A total of 34 teams are already registered for what will be one of the biggest state championships in history.
Among them will be powerhouse Sydney club Colony, who last year ran second at the World Ultimate Club Championships in Cincinnati, Ohio.
They’ll be led on field by multiple Australian representative Alex Ladomatos, who last year helped New York PONY to the US Open Club Championship.
Dubbo Ultimate Frisbee Federation president Tim Hosking said matches would be held over the weekend of February 23 and 24, with more than 450 players expected from across NSW and the ACT.
“As this event is a qualifier for Nationals, we’ll see some of Australia and the world’s best opens and womens teams playing right here in Dubbo,” Hosking said.
“It should be a great spectacle.”
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Teams are expected from Sydney, Canberra, Wollongong and Newcastle, with the latter to feature for Dubbo products Jess Stoddard and Gina Hill (formerly Colwell).
Stoddard, who was last year appointed as assistant coach of the Australian under 24s mixed team, will coach the Newcastle Sugar Magnolias.
In addition to the vast array of Australian talent on show, the tournament will also feature two club teams – one men’s and one women’s – from Singapore, where “the sport is growing well”.
While local club sides often feature international representatives, it is unusual for foreign teams to field sides at the state championships.
The tournament will also see local players in action as part of the Inland Gypsies women’s side, and Western NSW Nomads men’s team.
Ultimate was recently recognised by the International Olympic Committee, with the ultimate community in Dubbo hopeful it will be added to the schedule for the upcoming Olympics in Paris (2024) or Los Angeles (2028).
“Hosting this tournament will be an excellent opportunity to showcase the Olympic sport in regional NSW, and boost numbers in our established competitions,” Hosking said.
“It will also bring valuable sporting tourism dollars into our city.
“We might be battling the heat a bit, but having the option of some night games is something that metropolitan centres would struggle to offer in addition to the great Lady Cutler Ovals.”
He thanked Dubbo Regional Council for their efforts in helping to prepare for the tournament.
DUFF’s autumn league commences on Monday, February 11, with new players always welcome.
For more information or to get involved, contact Tim Hosking at duffcontact@gmail.com or on 0438 600 837.
