The 2022 Bundaberg Cup has kicked goals for the region’s economy with 777 competitors taking to the field and hundreds of thousands of dollars spent locally.
The annual event is fast becoming famous as one of Australia’s richest touch football competitions with $20,000 in cash and prizes distributed.
Hosted at Greg Duncan Fields on February 5 and 6 in its namesake town thanks to a sponsorship agreement with Bundaberg Regional Council, this year’s competition saw 52 teams compete.
While the event provided an opportunity for local teams to vie for the top prize, it also saw 71 per cent of attendees travel from outside of the region.
Statistics taken from registration details provided to Queensland Touch Football reveal that more than 1300 spectators travelled with competitors.
Throughout the weekend players and spectators stayed for the equivalent of 2616 visitor nights.
Direct expenditure of more than $430,000.
Acting Mayor Bill Trevor said these fantastic results demonstrated the importance of fostering high level sporting competition within the region.
“We are thrilled to be a continued sponsor of the Bundaberg Cup,” Cr Trevor said.
“Not only is it a great opportunity for our local players and has obvious benefits through direct expenditure, you can’t put a price on the ongoing exposure this event affords our region.
“Thousands of people have travelled to our region and seen firsthand our great weather, unique attractions and welcoming hospitality.
“Now they’ll tell all their friends and I’m sure will be keen to come back.”
“Queensland Touch Football are extremely grateful to Bundaberg Regional Council for their support of the Bundaberg Cup tournament,” said Greg Denny, QTF Chief Executive Officer.
‘”We are building a rich history for the Bundaberg Cup and it’s a joy to bring the touch football community together in Bundaberg each February to kick off our season.
“Bundy Cup provides the opportunity for teams from North and South of the region to travel and compete against some amazing local talent from around Central Queensland”.
While Rockhampton teams dominated the seventh annual Bundaberg Touch Cup, winning six of the eight competitive divisions, two local teams were also among the winners.
Both finishing runners-up were Ankle Bullies in the Social Men’s category and Bundaberg in Under-16 Girls.
The Bundaberg Cup is set to return to the Bundaberg Region in 2023 and 2024 following a three-year partnership agreement with Bundaberg Regional Council worth $60,000.
