SPORT

L-R: Young Mckeowns Boxing Gym members Max Hogno, Gracie Schofield and Kayla Mckeown, with club founder Zane Mckeown Small gym, big dreams

A LITTLE gym in Hobart’s northern suburbs is punching well above its weight, bringing back a haul of medals from the recent national championships.

Mckeowns Boxing Gym was established by Zane Mckeown in 2016 as a safe and non-competitive environment for people looking to enhance their boxing skills.

Based at the Glenorchy Showgrounds and run by a group of dedicated volunteers with a strong focus on the local community, the gym strives to maintain an inclusive culture for members, who range in age from 10 to 50.

Mckeowns is registered with Boxing Tasmania and Boxing Australia, and is now making its mark on the national boxing circuit.

In May this year, Mckeowns athletes Kayla Mckeown and Chris Lenga and former Mckeowns boxer Clinton Cooper returned from the Australian Club Boxing Championships with two gold medals and a silver - not bad for a small club based in Hobart’s northern suburbs.

“We are extremely proud of the results,” gym co-owner Kristy McKeown said.

“The professionalism and spirit of our boxers at national level was inspiring. They are proving to be great ambassadors for our club.”

Member for Elwick Josh Willie MLC recently visited the club to learn more about their achievements.

“Mckeowns does an amazing job to support the development of those looking to learn boxing skills,” he said.

“At a grassroots level, promising young boxers like Kayla and Chris have been presented with an opportunity they may otherwise have missed and are proving to be a force on the national stage.”

This month, Mckeowns athletes will compete alongside other upcoming Tasmanian boxers at a tournament in Launceston.

It is then onto Sydney in October and November, where Mckeowns boxers will take part in multipleday competitions, gaining valuable experience and knowledge for future opportunities.

Tymor (centre) with teammates Liam O'Grady, Jordyn Donovan, Henry Budd, Mitchell Rogers, Xavier Clark, Daniel Chivers, Hamish Johnstone and Sam Heffernan, plus Tymor’s mum Larysa and coach Tristan Heffernan

Tymor rebounds

TEN-year-old Tymor really loves basketball – and his new teammates are more than happy to have him on their side.

When Tymor fled war-torn Ukraine with his mother Larysa and came to Australia in May on a humanitarian visa, he refused to leave his old ball behind, deflating it and jamming it in his backpack.

After the family arrived in Hobart, the Eastern Shore’s Dominoes basketball club worked with the Ukraine Society to place Tymor on a junior team.

With a brand-new ball under his arm, Tymor was thrilled to play his first game at Warrane Stadium recently.

“Tym came along to training, and then decided to watch the first game sitting on the bench with everyone,” team coach Tristan Heffernan said.

“After that he was pumped. He played his first game the following weekend, and played as much as any of the other boys. He did a good job.

“He has fit in really well with the rest of the team. He has dived straight in and the other boys have been really good, looking to pass him the ball and give him a pat on the back when he gets a shot in.

“This roster is nearly finished but he’s keen to play again next season, and hopefully stay with these boys for that roster as well.”

The club plans to continue to support Tymor and Larysa, including looking to purchase him some new basketball boots ahead of the spring roster starting in September.

The JackJumpers take on the Brisbane Bullets at the new MyState Bank Arena

Jacks back for season two

THE Tasmania JackJumpers will tip-off their first home game of the new NBL season on 3 October, in what’s expected to be the first of many sold-out matches at Hobart’s MyState Bank Arena.

The JackJumpers will begin their second NBL season on the road against the South East Melbourne Phoenix, before returning home to host the Cairns Taipans on the first Monday of the school holidays.

“We’re really pleased to tip off the season at the start of the school holidays and bring our fans together for the start of another exciting year,” CEO Simon Brookhouse said.

“It has been a short off-season, but we see that as a blessing to keep building on our momentum from the NBL22 Finals.

The guys are having a good break and are really excited to get back to playing in front of the best fans in the league.”

The JackJumpers have also secured blockbuster Hobart home games on Boxing Day (vs the New Zealand Breakers) and New Year’s Day (vs the Phoenix).

They will also play two matches at Launceston’s Silverdome, with northern fans looking forward to games on 18 November and 18 January.

A limited number of new JackJumpers memberships will go on sale at 10am on Monday 15 August.

“We anticipate that we will have to cap memberships this season and new memberships will sell out fairly quickly,” Mr Brookhouse said.

“The reality of having a relatively smaller arena is that we can only have so many fans in there each game, and we need to continue growing our membership base while also giving as many people the opportunity to see the team play live as possible.”

JackJumpers games at MyState Bank Arena

Monday 3 October vs Cairns Taipans Sunday 9 October vs Brisbane Bullets Saturday 22 October vs Perth Wildcats Saturday 5 November vs Brisbane Bullets Saturday 17 December vs Cairns Taipans Thursday 22 December vs Illawarra Hawks Monday 26 December vs NZ Breakers Sunday 1 January vs SE Melbourne Saturday 7 January vs Melbourne United Thursday 12 January vs Adelaide 36ers Friday 27 January vs Sydney Kings Sunday 29 January vs Perth Wildcats

David Cawthorn from the City of Hobart Access Advisory Committee with Acting Manager Sport and Recreation Shannon Avery

Liberal Member for Clark Elise Archer with the North Hobart Football Club’s number-one ticketholder, Bruce Felmingham New lift improving access at iconic North Hobart Oval

WHEELCHAIR spectators and people with mobility issues can now enjoy a bird’s eye view of events at North Hobart Oval, with the opening last month of a fully accessible lift in the Doug Plaister Stand.

Widely regarded as the spiritual home of Aussie Rules in Tasmania, the historic ground – home of the North Hobart Football Club - currently hosts TSL, SFL and Old Scholars games, junior football finals, local soccer matches and charity events.

The Plaister Stand was previously only accessible by stairs, making it off-limits for those in a wheelchair or with mobility issues.

But the new lift services all three levels of the stand including the corporate box, function room and toilets on the second level. Two designated viewing areas have also been added for people in wheelchairs.

The lift is the latest in a raft of recent improvements to the much-loved ground, following the construction of a new kiosk and bar, a roof over the wet area on the hill, a terraced standing area, and new AFL-compliant coaches and media boxes.

The new works, which were officially opened on 14 July, were jointly funded by the City of Hobart and the state and federal governments.

“Having a facility that is accessible for everyone is vitally important and will give more Tasmanians the opportunity to watch the club they support at a much-loved community facility,” Liberal Member for Clark Elise Archer said.

The oval is owned by the City of Hobart, and Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds said the new lift was an exciting development.

“The new lift opens up a space that is protected from the weather and provides a magnificent view from which to watch the football on those cold winter days and ensure everyone has access to some of the best seats in the house,” she said.

The federal contribution to the lift project was part of an $830,000 grant Independent Member for Clark Andrew Wilkie helped secure for the football club to upgrade the oval.

“North Hobart Oval is the spiritual home of Tasmanian footy, so I’m delighted the Federal Government has recognised the importance of upgrading these facilities so our community, the club and league can thrive,” Mr Wilkie said.

The start of last year’s 5km and 10km events

Run will be fun for all ages

ATHLETES of all ages and standards are encouraged to lace up their sneakers and sign up for the 32nd annual Hazell Bros Glenorchy Fun Run, to be held at MyState Bank Arena on Sunday 14 August.

The main fundraiser for the local Northern Suburbs Athletic Club, the Hazell Bros Glenorchy Fun Run features three events – the Pace Financial Services 10km, the Running Edge 5km, and the Steeline Tasmania 2km for primary school children.

All events start and finish at MyState Bank Arena and incorporate the GASP! Boardwalk, with the River Derwent providing a spectacular backdrop.

The 2km event is held on a safe, traffic-free road, with parents able to accompany their children in the race. Primary and secondary schools are encouraged to put teams together, with great prizes to be awarded to the most outstanding schools.

President David O’Brien said the Northern Suburbs Athletic Club strives to make the event as familyfriendly as possible.

“Our club is totally driven by volunteers, so we are able to keep entry fees low and encourage local residents to get involved,” he said.

“Sure it’s called a ‘fun run’, but we welcome everyone to come out to run, shuffle or walk.”

Last year’s event, which coincided with the official opening of MyState Bank Arena on 14 November, attracted more than 300 participants.

British runner Nick Earl won the men’s Pace Financial Services men’s 10km event in a time of 30.41, with 13-time winner Grant Page finishing third. Northern Suburbs athlete Meriem Daoui won the women’s race in a time of 37.34.

The Running Edge 5km men’s event was won by OVA’s Jamie Lawrence in 15.23, with Northern Suburbs runner Sophie Connolly victorious in the women’s race in a time of 18.12.

Mr O’Brien welcomed back local company Hazell Bros as the event’s major sponsor and naming rights partner.

We’ve grown a lot in recent years with the fun run boom and the support from a Tasmanian family company is very much appreciated,” he said.

Entries are now open. To register, go to www. nsac.org.au

The Venn family - Russell, Michaela and Lavinia – playing the first hole at Richmond

Disc Golf lands in Richmond

DOZENS of people of all ages came out for a recent ‘come and try disc golf’ event at the Richmond Reserve, which could potentially house a new permanent disc golf course.

The Hobart Disc Golf Club set up a temporary nine-hole course for the public to test out on 10 July, at a possible site for a new permanent course next to the Richmond football ground.

Forty-three players tried their hand at disc golf and many Richmond locals came along just to watch, as they hadn’t seen the sport before. Feedback was positive from spectators and participants alike.

“What a great sport!” Greg Ross said.

“As locals, we think this would be fantastic for the community.

“It’s a great experience for all ages and it suits the area with the bike, skate park and tennis courts.”

Event organiser Ollie Mundy-Castle said the trial was very successful, with disc golfers from as far afield as Burnie and Launceston making the drive down to play the course.

“Coinciding it with the Richmond Village Market was great as people could play a round and then go and get a coffee and some lunch in the village before coming back for another round or two of disc golf in the afternoon,” he said.

The Hobart Disc Golf Club has been working with the Clarence City Council on potentially installing a permanent course in the reserve.

Designed as an easier beginner course, the new course would complement the existing one at Austin Ferry - the oldest (installed in 1985)

and toughest course in Australia. “A permanent disc golf course at Richmond would be fantastic for the local businesses, community and visitors,” Ollie said. “Our club would really benefit from a second course in Hobart for new players to discover the game.” The Hobart Disc Golf Club holds a monthly social league at the Poimena Reserve Disc Golf Course in Austins Ferry. For more information on how to get involved, go to www. hobartdiscgolf.com.au

TCA Ground gets facelift

THE North Hobart Cricket Club (NHCC) is celebrating the opening of much-needed upgrades at the TCA Ground, with Stage One (of three) of the H.C. Smith Stand Refurbishment and Accessibility Project officially opened on 8 July.

The NHCC has called the TCA precinct home, both on and off the field, for more than 100 years.

Much progress has been made over the past century, but the club’s Board identified that significant change was required to make the TCA Ground a more welcoming, inclusive and accessible facility.

Now the Board’s dream has been realised, with the renovations to the H.C. Smith Stand making it a much more inviting space for people of all abilities, while still retaining the building’s significant history.

The redevelopment was funded by a $405,000 Federal Government Community Development Grant which the Club’s patron, Independent MP Andrew Wilkie, helped secure.

“The North Hobart Cricket Club is a wonderful club that has a rich history and has had great success on the field,” Mr Wilkie said.

“But the club’s facilities at their home ground at the TCA were in urgent need of restoration, especially the H.C. Smith Stand which was built around 1880.

“Thanks to the $405,000 cash injection, the club has been able to upgrade its kitchen, install an accessibility lift, and upgrade and restore the memorabilia and social areas, staff rooms, bar, lounge room, scorers’ box and office.

“The accessibility lift will help the club become a more inclusive space where all members of the community can access the facilities easier.

“It’s important to celebrate sporting history and this work has given a new lease of life to a historic community facility where cricket has been played since the 1870s.”

Other enhancements to the TCA precinct made by the NHCC, the City of Hobart, the Tasmanian Government and Cricket Tasmania in recent years include a new amenities building, the installation of an electronic scoreboard, ground resurfacing, changeroom upgrades, and a full overhaul of the indoor training facility.

Van Diemen Dogs Lucas Walker, Jonathon Barwick and Joe Stone (back) prepare to take on Ramonas players Damien Seaton and Rachel Burke (front) in this year’s Reclink Community Cup

Reclink Community Cup returns to Queenborough

GREAT live music and fairly average Aussie Rules football will come together again this month when the annual Reclink Community Cup returns to Hobart.

Part of a series of events held across the country, the Hobart Community Cup is a family-friendly day out featuring the clash between the Van Diemen Dogs team of Tasmanian musicians and the Ramonas squad of local media members, politicians, actors and other various hangers-on.

There’s also live music, crowd activations, and fun activities for kids.

The popular event raises much-needed funds for national notfor-profit organisation Reclink.

Reclink’s structured sport, art and recreation programs improve life outcomes for those experiencing mental illness, family violence, homelessness, social isolation, gambling harm, unemployment, and drug and alcohol rehabilitation.

The 2022 Hobart Reclink Community Cup will be held at Queenborough Oval in Sandy Bay on Sunday 28 August. Gates open at noon. Tickets are available now via www. oztix.com.au

CHANGES AFOOT

New Town White Eagles players (L-R) Agnes Parr, Ellen Curtis and Elke Peterson at Clare Street Oval

THE home of the New Town White Eagles Soccer Club will receive a new sports pavilion and changerooms thanks to a $1.3 million City of Hobart project designed to level the playing field for women and girls.

The overhaul of the sports pavilion at Clare Street Oval – which is also used by Sacred Heart School, New Town Cricket Club and the local community - will create safe and secure changerooms for young girls and women, encouraging them to stay in their chosen sport.

The project will include four modern changerooms, two accessible toilets and ten lockable shower cubicles. It will also see two separate changerooms created for umpires, and an external toilet block replaced with new public toilets.

When White Eagles captain Ellen Curtis first started playing soccer, she had no choice but to play in a boys’ team.

“It is nice as an adult to look back and see this isn’t necessarily how it has to start for young girls anymore,” she said.

“More women are participating in sport than ever before and having facilities that are inclusive of everyone is so important.”

Hobart Acting Lord Mayor Helen Burnet said participation in women’s sport is surging across Australia, and the number and quality of sporting facilities plays a key role in encouraging and sustaining this growth.

“The New Town White Eagles Soccer Club is no exception, but the ability for more girls and young women to get involved with the club is hampered by the current condition of their changerooms and sports facilities,” she said.

“The current changerooms have no accessible toilets or lockable showers and are poorly lit.”

The project, which is expected to take up to five months to complete, has been partly funded by $450,000 from the Tasmanian Government’s Levelling the Playing Field Grants Program.

The City of Hobart is contributing another $850,000 to the project as part of its commitment to levelling the playing field for young girls and women and people with disabilities.

“Some young sports people, including girls and people with disabilities, may have felt excluded previously because of less-than welcoming facilities,” Ms Burnett said.

“Everyone deserves safe and secure sporting facilities that help them be the best they can be at their chosen sport.”

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