Visitors to Bunbury’s Koombana Bay Foreshore have lapped-up some thrilling beach volleyball action over the past few days.
April 21 and 22 saw volleyballers hit the sand for the Alcohol. Think Again Beach Tour.
Some of the country’s best young athletes then went head-to-head in the Under 23 Beach Volleyball Championships, kicking off on April 23.
The remaining teams battled it out in the medal matches on April 25.
From April 26 to 29, some of Australia’s best players will compete in the Australian Junior Beach Volleyball Championships.
Commonwealth Games Gold medallists Damien Schumann and Chris McHugh will visit Bunbury for the event on Sunday.
Volleyball WA communication and marketing coordinator David Smith said the Commonwealth Games helped to increase interest in the sport.
The nine-day event will feature a record-breaking 123 junior teams and 156 teams overall from around Australia.
Volleyball WA expected over 1500 people to visit Koombana Bay over the nine days.
Bunbury Volleyball Association committee member Emma Bailey said the events showcased the high intensity of beach volleyball.
“It’s fantastic, it promotes the sport in Bunbury and it’s fantastic to see this many quality players here,” she said.
WA team Captains Griffin Bateman and Kyla Sanchez praised event organisers and the City of Bunbury for hosting the championships.
“It’s pretty good because there are so many states here and everyone is so supportive of one another,” Bateman said.
Volley By the Bay ambassador and assistant competition director Cole Durant thanked the competitors for their efforts.
City of Bunbury Deputy Mayor Jaysen Miguel was thrilled to see the high number of athletes and spectators at Koombana Bay.
“For the city, it’s fantastic and it showcases Koombana Bay. I believe it’s the fifth or sixth event since it opened in January,” he said.
“It’s good to see so many people enjoying Koombana and Bunbury.”
Head to volleyballwa.com.au/volley-by-the-bay/ for more details.
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