Credit: volleyball.org.au
It’s been a long time coming, but the Australian Beach Volleyball Tour makes its much-anticipated return to Thompson’s Beach this weekend for the Cobram Barooga Classic.
The popular event was forced to relocate last season due to the ongoing high water and flooding conditions of the Murray River. Excessive rainfall and melting snow in late 2022 caused significant damage and the beach and surrounding areas including the carpark and the access road were flooded.
Nearly twelve months on, the local community is ready to welcome back the national tour from Friday to Sunday, followed by the Australian Junior Beach Volleyball Tour early next week.
“It was hugely disappointing not being able to host the Australian Beach Volleyball Tour last year, however we know how much the volleyball community love coming to the area and we’re certain this year’s event will be one of the best yet,” said Nicky Goldsworthy, Chairperson Cobram Barooga Business and Tourism.
“There’s a lot of excitement in the community that the sport is coming back to Thompson’s Beach and we’re hoping to see plenty of supporters come out over the course of the five-day event.”
Volleyball Australia Events Director Verity Hanka said after the disappointment of last year’s event being moved that we are excited to be able to bring the tour back again in 2024.
“The Cobram Barooga Classic is now an event the beach volleyball community mark down in their calendar each season and we’re really happy to be back this week,” she said. “The event is not only popular with the players, but the local community make everyone feel incredibly welcome and are extremely supportive of the event.
“Bringing both the senior and junior tours to town is no small task, and we can’t thank Sporties Group, Cobram Barooga Business & Tourism, Moira and Berrigan Shires and the Victorian State Government for the continued support they show for beach volleyball.”
Commonwealth Games gold medallist Paul Burnett will team up with Jack Pearse this week and can’t wait to get back to a venue where he has already tasted glory.
“Really looking forward to returning to Cobram!” said Burnett.
“I’ve always enjoyed playing at Thompsons Beach; it’s a very cool and unique location and definitely holds a softer spot in my heart having won there with Chris [McHugh] two years ago.”
The second round of the 2023/24 Australian Beach Volleyball Tour will take place from Friday 2 to Sunday 4 February, followed by the second round of the Australian Junior Beach Volleyball Tour on Monday 5 and Tuesday 6 February.
The Australian Beach Volleyball Tour medal matches on Sunday afternoon will be streamed live via SBS on Demand.
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