Sunshine Coast Lightning hosted its first ever Lightning Cup this week at Sunshine Coast Netball Association at the Maroochydore Multi Sports Complex.
The school-aged competition provided an opportunity for primary school students in years five and six in the Sunshine Coast region to play netball in a fun and inclusive environment.
The competitive carnival included three divisions: Championship (Lightning Cup), Development (Thunder Cup) and Boys (Storm Cup), as well as a multi-class ‘come-and-try’ opportunity for students with a mental or physical disability to participate.
A Lightning Strike Zone was set up on the day, including music, merchandise, free hair braiding and temporary tattoos, food trucks, giveaways and inflatable games, as well as special appearances and signing sessions throughout the day by Lightning players.
Lightning CEO Danielle Smith said it was special to be part of the first ever Lightning Cup.
“I was blown away by the response from the schools, especially with it being our inaugural event. It was fantastic to see so many kids getting involved and having a great time — it truly was a fun, fully inclusive day,” she said.
“It was especially heart-warming to see so many kids with mental or physical disabilities participating in the multi-class come and try sessions hosted by Queensland Gems Head Coach, Merrin McCulloch. The safe environment enabled them to play some netball and have fun.”
Congratulations to all the schools that participated on the day, gave it their all and demonstrated exceptional sportsmanship throughout the tournament.
The winners and runners up of the 2022 Lightning Cup were:
- Lightning Cup
- Winner: St Andrew’s Anglican College
- Runner Up: St Eugene College
- Thunder Cup:
- Winner: St Michael’s College
- Runner Up: St Eugene College
- Storm Cup
- Winner: St Andrew’s Anglican College
- Runner Up: Matthew Flinders Anglican College
Thanks to Sunshine Coast Secondary Schools Netball for collaborating with Lightning on this project.
