Australia’s leading pole and ariel athletes will swing into Penrith this weekend, with the aim of representing their country on the world stage.
The 2024 Australian Pole and Aerial Championships (APAC) will be held at the Penrith Valley Regional Sports Centre this Saturday, July 13 and Sunday, July 14.
It’s the second successive year the Cambridge Park venue has hosted the national sporting event.
In the biggest Australian Championships to-date, 64 athletes will present more than 80 awe-inspiring routines that combine strength, flexibility and musicality. Top-tier athletes will compete to represent Australia at the upcoming World Pole and Aerial Championships in Sweden.
Deborah Roach, Treasurer of the Australian Pole Sports Foundation (APSF) and three-time International Pole Champion, said participation in pole and aerial sports was growing across Australia, demonstrated by the increase in entries for 2024.
“Entries across all categories have increased, which means we’re in for a truly exciting competition across two days,” she said.
“Last year, we sent 10 outstanding Australian athletes to the World Championships, signalling strong growth in the sport and showcasing our talent on a global stage.”
Roach, who was born without her left arm and is a long-time advocate for inclusivity in sport, said APAC offered a fair and equitable environment that supported all abilities.
“The APSF ensures a fair and inclusive competition environment where athletes of all ages and skill levels can thrive,” she said.
“From amateurs to elites, inclusivity remains central to our ethos.
“Our scoring system reflects our dedication to diversity and fairness, ensuring a rewarding experience for all participants and we’re the only competition that offers Para Pole categories that support participants with disabilities.
“We invite the Penrith community to come along and witness these awe-inspiring performances on a national stage.”
The two-day APAC schedule kicks off on Saturday at 1pm with an Opening Ceremony, which has free entry for spectators. It will be followed by Aerial Hoop Sport and Artistic categories from 2pm. Pole Sport and Artistic Pole will be contested on Sunday, starting at 9am.
“The competition offers a diverse view of Pole and Aerial Hoop disciplines,” Roach said.
“The Sports categories emphasise athleticism, while the Artistic categories put greater focus on storytelling and expression.”
Don’t miss your chance to witness Australia’s finest in pole and aerial athletics.
Two-day spectator tickets are now available to purchase via Humanitix.
Visit https://shorturl.at/BjZFt.
Nathan Taylor
Nathan Taylor is the Weekender's Deputy Editor and Senior Sports Writer. He also compiles the weekly Chatter on the Box TV column. Nathan is an award-winning journalist, who has worked at the Weekender for a decade.