Exciting and unusual sports in the Shire you have to try out
OUT OF THE BOX
Sure, football and tennis are popular, but the sporting possibilities in our Shire go far beyond the regular sports. Why not try out a game you’ve never heard of before?
A BREATHTAKING GAME
Getting exercise in the tropics without getting all hot and sweaty. Underwater hockey is the ideal game to play in the tropical heat.
Believe it or not but this sport has been played in Mossman off and on since the mid 90's.
Sean Harley, who organises the underwater hockey training sessions, said that the sport was blown back to life five years ago by a nurse who moved from Perth to Mossman.
“She had been playing underwater hockey in Western Australia and saw that the pool in Mossman was ideal for the game,” Mr Harley explained.
“Each week we see new people coming down to have a go. Initially people can't comprehend the third dimensional nature of the game as they are so used to playing games where their feet are on the ground.
“Some common reactions are; do you have oxygen tanks or how long is your snorkel? One player came along and said it was like underwater yoga complete with breathing exercises.
“We have around 20 regular players aged between 10 and 50 years old. Everyone with a good level of fitness can play. All you need to have is a willingness to learn new things.
“There is genuinely nothing that prepares you for the game but it will take your breath away. It will make you better at diving with regular players increasing their lung capacity and becoming capable of diving to 20 metres and holding their breath for 3 to 4 minutes.
“We are looking to enter our first competition as a team in the FNQ titles, a competition held down in Cairns. We are hoping to learn how to play well as a team and beat a few other teams.”
A CHEERFUL SPORT
Graziella Candalero started giving cheerleading lessons in Adelaide in 2005 until a friend in Port Douglas told her there is nothing like this sport in our small town.
“We used to dance together in Adelaide and with her background experience we both felt it could be something I get started here,” Ms Candalero said.
“Cheerleading is one of the fastest growing sports and for good reason too. The benefits for the family and their children are endless but above all it's fun and exciting.
“It promotes athleticism, confidence, teamwork, leadership, and trust. Cheer is exciting and a challenging sport that involves music, dance, jumps, tumble and stunts for males and females.
“Visual Energy Studios began in 2005 in Adelaide where we offer classes for cheer, tumble, stunt, and one on one skill training.
“We are hoping to conduct some taster sessions in Port Douglas in April with first weekly sessions to commence early May.
“Cheer and dance brings people together not only athletes but whole families. The feeling you get when athletes, coaches, family, and friends rally together at competitions is second to none.”
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