Firebirds set to fly in 2010 season

Minister for Child Safety and Minister for Sport
The Honourable Phil Reeves
18/03/2010
Firebirds set to fly in 2010 season

Sport Minister Phil Reeves has today kicked off the Queensland Firebirds 2010 season in Brisbane.

Mr Reeves said the Mission Queensland Firebirds were set to become a real force in the upcoming national netball championship.

"The Firebirds are off to a great start already, after taking out the recent pre-season Sydney Olympic Park Authority (SOPA) Cup undefeated," he said.

"On their way to winning the SOPA Cup, the Firebirds were also able to easily defeat the reigning national champs, the Melbourne Vixens, which has heightened expectations that this will be a breakthrough year for our Queensland team."

Mr Reeves said the Bligh Government was committed to supporting the Firebirds and netball in Queensland.

"Over the past two years, the State Government has provided nearly $1 million in funding to Netball Queensland to help develop the sport," he said.

"Netball continues to be one of Queensland's most popular sports, attracting almost 40,000 registered players each year.

"It's vital we continue to support a national netball championship, so players can continue to hone their skills in a high-standard competition at world-class facilities.

"Netball has come a long way in recent years and most of this progress has been due to the creation of a national competition.

"It's showcased netball as an exciting, fast-paced game, played by supremely fit and agile athletes.

"Our commitment to netball is a reminder of our Toward Q2: Tomorrow's Queensland priority to make Queenslanders Australia's healthiest people."

Mr Reeves said the Bligh Government's revamp of sport and recreation funding programs would assist in achieving this goal.

"It will deliver more than $138 million to create jobs, help build infrastructure and deliver initiatives to encourage Queenslanders to take part in sport and recreation activities," he said.

"By ensuring all Queenslanders have improved access to sporting facilities in their local communities, we will help more people to develop a passion for physical activity."

Permanent Link: Firebirds set to fly in 2010 season
Publish Date: 18 Mar 10