Sport 1,000 people attend BJJ tournament
Submission was a constant threat at the BJJAO last weekend. Photo BJJAO League Over 1,000 people flocked to Byron Bay on the weekend to either compete or spectate at one of Australia’s top BJJ events, the BJJ National Australian Open (BJJAO). ‘It was a great day for Brazilian jiu jitsu and a great day for Byron Bay,’ tournament director Raz Harel said. ‘We were hosting the BJJAO League’s National
Australian Open at the Cavanbah Centre on Sunday’. The majority of competitors were Australian, but 22 countries were represented overall. Local school, The Academy, took the first place in ‘Best Academy’, with 24 competitors. Southside BJJ (Qld) took second place with
22 competitors and Galeb Brothers (Qld) took third with 21. A total of $9,000 in prize money was available to men and women across various disciplines and skill levels. ‘The next BJJAO event in Byron Bay will be held on 19 May and we’re looking forward to a great local presence,’ Raz said.
Tweed BMX freestyler wins national gold Tweed-based BMX putting together a freestyler Will Spedstrong run to win ding has backed up the gold medal a state championfrom Brodie Quick ship with a national and last year’s U/15 title and is now set national champion to head to South Koby Carrol.’ Africa to compete ‘This is an amazagainst other elite ing result for Will, riders. having just returned The 17-year-old from surgery on a got the year off Bennett’s fracture to a good start in January,’ Donna when he won the Spedding (mum) AusCycling (NSW/ said. ACT) BMX Freestyle Will has been Amateur (15+) State riding BMX freestyle Championship on since he was 12 Sunday, 21 January years old and has in Tuggeranong. travelled to China, He then won Europe and South the gold medal Africa to compete. After tackling Australia, Will is ready to take on He is one of seven at the Rampfest Australian National more international BMX freestlye competitors. AusCycling ‘develPhoto supplied Amateur Champioping and emergonships, earlier this ing’ riders across month. Spedding stood out as the Australia, which allows him According to AusCycling: to train at the National Trainrider most capable of join‘In a field of 12 finalists, ing Centre on the Gold Coast. ing the elite ranks in 2025,
mĕƱ żſşīſëŔƆ ëŕĎ żōĕŕƐƷ şĪ ƐĕŕŕĶƆ IJëưĕ ǖşƱĕĎ ĪſşŔ ƐĕŕŕĶƆ ĈşƖſƐ ƖżīſëĎĕƆ Ķŕ ƖǔşōŊ ëſŊ Suffolk Park Tennis is in full swing after court enhancements and the introduction of a full program since then. The courts at Linda Vidler Park are managed by the Byron Bay Community Tennis Association, and the committee and coaches have implemented a number of programs and events for the local area’s tennis players, since refurbishments last year. Other enhancements have followed court resurfacing in August 2023 including: new nets, fence repair, activated lighting and drainage upgrades.
Multi-sports To start the year Suffolk Park Tennis helped to host a multi-sports kids summer sports clinic during the January school holidays.
free court time on Saturdays or join a free social hitting group on Wednesday mornings. ‘There are also plenty of coach-led programs, both social and for serious players, for adults and children, throughout the week.’
Team tennis
Anyone for social tennis? Right: The importance of a good serve featured at this ladies social clinic. Photos supplied This saw 50 local primary school aged children enjoying a range of outdoor activities at Linda Vidler Park. Tennis and soccer were the core sports while cricket,
basketball, table tennis and various catching games were also an option. Each day concluded with a tug-o-war. Suffolk Park FC and Byron
Shire Council were also contributors.
New players ‘An increase in participation has seen Suffolk Park
Tennis introduce a new booking system, as well,’ coach Timm Lanyon said, ‘We are also focused on keeping tennis affordable, with the public able to book
Team tennis Tuesday has been particularly popular attracting close to 70 players since last year. It involves 18 players forming six teams for the night to play singles and doubles against likeskilled opponents. A points tally decides the nights winners. The inaugural season saw Ami Shoesmith come out on top, while local Talofa artist Geoff Murray is the reigning champion from season two.
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