Mandurah volleyball trio Lewis Peach, Joshua Howat and Nicholas Whittering will feel right at home when they hit the courts for the School Sport Australia National Volleyball Championships in Mandurah next month.
The event will see more than 200 students, officials and parents from six states and territories flock to the Mandurah Aquatic and Recreation Centre, with Peach, Howat and Whittering representing the state in the under 15s.
The trio travelled to Sydney for the same championships last year but will only have to drive a few kilometres down the road this time around.
“It’s going to be great to have it in Mandurah. It means we can have friends come down and watch us play and just being a little closer to home is great,” Peach said.
The Mandurah Baptist College students helped WA to an appearance in the bronze medal match in 2016, but are hoping to go one better and finish on the podium this time out.
“You always go in wanting to win so yeah, hopefully we can get a medal this time,” Howat said.
“To play well at a national tournament in your home town would be great.”
The boys will face off against each state twice, with any possible finals matches to follow.
Mandurah mayor Marina Vergone said the city was excited to welcome the players, spectators and all those involved to Mandurah.
“These championships will showcase all the great things the city has to offer; our exciting tourism opportunities, and our newly redeveloped Mandurah Aquatic and Recreation Centre,” she said.
“Bringing events like this to our special part of the world is part of the city’s ongoing priority to attract major sporting and cultural events to Mandurah. I wish the players all the best in their competition.”
The tournament kicks off on Sunday, August 20 and wraps up Friday, August 25.
For more information visit schoolsportwa.com.au
Justin Rake
Sports journalist for the Mandurah Mail, Australian Community Media, Fairfax Media.
Sports journalist for the Mandurah Mail, Australian Community Media, Fairfax Media.
