NSW Schools Gala Day 2008

Submitted by nswfda on Sun, 15/06/2008 - 12:00

Posted in

Schools

Rain couldn't dampen the spirits of the school kids at NSW High Schools Gala Day 2008.

Close to 250 kids and 20 volunteers braved the wet weather on 3 June at Pennant Hills Park for the annual NSW High Schools Gala Day. Despite the wet weather the players, volunteers and teachers all showed their enthusiasm for the game.

There was a range of skills represented on the day from Australian Junior representatives to a team of kids who had never played before. The venue, Pennant Hills Park was an ideal setting for this event and it must be mentioned that Hornsby Council were very accommodating and allowed us to play on the wet fields. Across 4 divisions 20 teams from all over NSW competed on the day making the day comparable to a major Frisbee tournament.

A huge thank you to all of the volunteers who helped make the gala day successful. Without these people, some who take the day off work, we would not have the same success with our junior development. Many of them keep coming back each year so I hope that means it fun too!

In the U16 girls division Merewether High, coached by Katie Bradstock, battled it off against Henry Kendall High in the pouring rain. Credit to all the girls playing in such adverse conditions. It showed spirit, perseverance and dedication. Henry Kendall High's Green Machine took the final in the end with some great team play.

The U16 boys division final comprised of newcomers St. Andrew's and North Sydney Boys High. The strong Frisbee culture at North Sydney Boys High seemed to be in their favour as they took the title. Well done to all St. Andrews players for a great inaugural appearance at the gala day.

The competition was small but fierce in the U18 girls division. The new powerhouse of high school Ultimate Greystanes High took the title over another strong Frisbee high school North Sydney Girls High School.

Finally, the U18 boys division comprised of 10 teams each with their own style of play. By the strengths of their Australian representative player Phil White, Chatswood high beat another strong team Killara high in the semi-finals. North Sydney Boys High, reigning champs only just beat Henry Kendall High, former champs in the other semi-finals to seal their spot in the finals. Despite losing a few players to injury Chatswood High came into the finals looking for redemption after losing to North Sydney Boys in the round games. Both teams played well but in the end Chatswood took the title.

This year the NSW All Schools Merit Team, a team selected to recognise players who excel in Juniors Ultimate, were selected by a group of Australian representatives who chose the players based on their good sportsmanship and skill on the day. NSWFDA's aim is to encourage as many NSW junior players to continue competing and improving. The NSWFDA would like to congratulate those players selected for the merit team and for all the players that narrowly missed out. It was a very difficult decision as there were many standout players on the day.

Congratulations to all the winning teams and recipients of the Spirit and MVP awards.