Australian Festival - September 9-11, 2005 Nashville, TN

Posted on 15 Sep 2006 by WebMaster

“Outrageous!” “Fast Paced!” “Non STOP!” Are just a few ways to describe the Australian Festival this year in Nashville.

The amazing teams that showed to participate in the Australian Festival Netball Cup were; Nashville Kangaroos - Host Club, Santa Monica Waves Netball Club, Manhattan International Netball Club, New York Navigators Men's Netball Club, Nashville Galas Men's Netball Club, Atlanta, AGAPE and Atlanta, GEMS.

With an 8.30am start there were teams turning up at around 7.45am to warm up and register. Everyone looking around at the opposition and sussing out the situation. Saying hello to old friends, meeting new ones and team huddles all around the grounds with last minute coaches notes.

Santa Monica Waves started the day off with a win over the always involved travelling MINC team. Followed by a game, for all to see, the eventual winners of the competition. The New York Navigators…sigh. Nadia Comaneci comes to mind. These men turned up in Fabulous purple uniforms and each played like the super hero, The Phantom. They were EVERYWHERE!!! Fast, clean, agile and acrobatic, with ball skills to match their 3 foot vertical leaps. They deserved the trophy and admiration by all.

The tournament ran smoothly all day. On time, well umpired, and happy faces at all point of contact with the host club the Lady Roos. Hats off to Moreen, Taryn and Nicole for a fabulous tournament. And we’ll be there next year to challenge that cup.

Sunday had more netball in store for us. The lady Roos had arranged pick up games through out the day. The first game started with some youngsters, ranging from 7 up to 15 years of age. (They were the only ones able to get up early on the Sunday I think.) Then the open age started to rock up, and suit up. We played for 3 hours straight, in 93 degree heat and LOVED IT! All teams were mixed up, and it really brought a fun exciting vibe to the Festival, as all players got to play against their home team players and also got to play with yesterdays opposition.

Throughout our 2 days, the Australian Festival had entertainment GALORE for us. Concerts all day, every day. Fosters Beer and Hardys wines flowing non stop. Pies, Sausage Rolls, Mello Yellow, Passiona, Home choccies, clothing and knick knacks.

All this was held over the 4 year anniversary of the world’s huge shock of September 11 2001. It was amazing seeing everyone come together and respect our merging cultures. American and Australian anthems were sung, everyone remembered and looked forward to the future together.