Beanies for Brain Cancer at the NSW Junior State Championships

by Chelsea Cryer | May 19, 2022 | Latest News, NSW Oztag, Tournaments

Keep warm for a good cause at the 2022 Junior State Championships in June, by purchasing a Beanie for Brain Cancer.

The Mark Hughes Foundation (MHF) will be attending the NSW Junior State Championships in Coffs Harbour from June 1-5, 2022 for their annual Beanie for Brain Cancer fundraiser.

The 2022 MHF beanies will be on sale for $25 at C.ex Stadium from Wednesday June 1, which is not only the first day of competition in Coffs, but the first day of winter.

NSW Oztag encourage players, coaches, spectators and staff to purchase a beanie to help raise funds for greater research into brain cancer.

“Oztag welcomes Mark, Kirralee and their Beanies campaign, to the NSW Junior State Championships in Coffs,” Tournament Director, Bill Harrigan said.

“I urge all players and parents to buy a beanie, or just say hello and make a donation – it feels good to make a difference,” Harrigan said.

After Mark Hughes was diagnosed with brain cancer in 2013, he and his wife began the non-profit, Health Promotion Charity, The Mark Hughes Foundation.

The Beanies for Brain Cancer campaign came about as many brain cancer patients wear beanies to cover scars, bandages, loss of hair and just to keep warm.

Eight years on, the MHF has now sold over 900,000 beanies, raised over $24 million and invested millions into research programs.

The Beanies for Brain Cancer campaign continues to grow every year, making a positive impact on the lives of many people affected by brain cancer.

By having the Beanies for Brain Cancer on sale at the Junior State Championships, NSW Oztag hope to raise awareness and funds that provide hope for current brain cancer patients, and those in the future.

Don’t brave the cold weather at this year’s Junior State Championships, buy a Beanie for Brain Cancer.  

2023 NSW Junior State Championships Announcement

by Chelsea Cryer | May 12, 2022 | Latest News, NSW Oztag, Tournaments

NSW Oztag have released the dates for the 2023 Junior State Championships, as well as the amended tournament outline which separates the 9-10s from the 11-17s.

Following substantial revision of the Junior State Championships and its progressive increase in size, NSW Oztag have made the decision to split the tournament across two weekends and venues.

2023 NSW Junior State Championships Outline

Under 9-10s

Date: Saturday 11^th and Sunday 12^th February, 2023

Venue: The Kingsway Playing Fields, St Marys

Under 11s-17s

Date: Friday 24^th – Sunday 26^th February, 2023

Venue: C.ex Stadium, Coffs Harbour

Such changes will prove to resolve accommodation difficulties in Coffs Harbour, while also catering to the expansive nature of the Under 9s and 10s divisions.

Tournament Director, Bill Harrigan OAM also addressed the decision to flip the Junior State Cup schedule.

“We have listened to feedback with the scheduling of the Junior State Championships and the impact on kids just returning to the new school year,” Harrigan said.  

“Therefore, we have flipped the usual schedule, meaning the 9-10s will now play earlier in February on Saturday & Sunday only, followed by the 11-17s later in the month,”

“This ensures the older age groups have a whole month back at school before taking time off to come to Coffs,” Harrigan said.

NSW Oztag wish to thank Coffs Harbour Council for their ongoing support and look forward to the upcoming 2022 Junior State Championships, set to be held from June 1-5 on Coffs Coast.