PORTER PITCHES IN FOR NATIONAL CHAMPS

This evening, Ms Mary Porter AM MLA, member for Ginninderra, welcomed participants of the Open Men’s Fastpitch National Championships and The Open Women’s Gilley’s Shield Final at the Hawker International Softball Centre.

“It will be wonderful to open this evening, and to welcome a group of people from around Australia dedicated to achieving excellence, whether they be athletes or coaches and other support staff and volunteers,” Ms Porter said.

“We need role models to help promote healthy lifestyles to our younger generation, and I am happy to support an event that showcases the talents of such people.

The ACT Government contributed strongly to the project that converted three diamonds to drought-tolerant couch grass at Hawker International Softball Centre, as part of the ACT Labor Government's 2009/10 Facilities Improvement Program.

In 2008 the ACT Labor Government provided Softball ACT a rain water harvesting system that collects rainwater from the clubhouse roof and nearby concrete, paved and asphalt areas and is stored in three tanks with a combined capacity of 270,000 litres.

“I have been told that there are some international stars who will participate in this tournament. I have been told that the Men’s tournament this year will have the majority of players who won gold at the International Softball Federation’s Open Men’s World Championships in Canada last year participating for their respective States.

“Many of the World Champion Under 19 players of 2008 are now also participating which brings the level of participation of these athletes at a world standard,” Ms Porter noted.

For the ACT team, we have locals being, the Australian Head Coach, Bob Harrow, the current best pitchers in the world in Andrew Kirkpatrick and Adam Folkard, The best lead off batter in the world, Mick Tanner and specialist short stop Nick Norton plus another three Under 19 World Champions.

“The ACT team is intending to win their fifth National Championship in a row with their home ground advantage - I wish our local players the best of luck,” Ms Porter said.

Statement Ends
Media Contact: Andrew Hunter 02 6205 0428 bh 0431 739 775
Andrew.hunter@parliament.act.gov.au
Mary Porter 0414 480 440