Australia’s biggest handball competition returns to inspire at Camp Australia

Outside school hours care provider Camp Australia is running its second annual Handball (known regionally as downball or four-square) Championships to inspire children, with Sunday’s regional finals seeing more than 350 children competing from 10 locations across Australia. 

With $10,000 in prizes on the line, competition was fierce, with finalists being drawn from the pool of winners of Camp Australia’s in-service championships held during the Autumn school holidays and throughout Term Two. 

Over 20,000 total children participated in the championships, which Camp Australia initiated post COVID-19 lockdown as a way to get school aged children active and excited about sport following the impacts of the pandemic. 

“It is so important to prise children away from screens and get them active and excited about sport,” Camp Australia CEO Warren Jacobson said.

“Our research showed lockdowns had a significant impact on children’s physical wellbeing with a big increase in their screen time. It’s clear children are still dealing with the lingering lockdown effects.”

“The Handball Championships is one way we can combat the long-term impacts of disconnection and inactivity, and in this way contribute to making a difference to children, parents and the community.”

A number of sporting greats stepped up to offer messages of encouragement to the children, including Carlton Football Club’s Mitch McGovern, and AFLW superstar Kara Antonio.

“I’m so pleased to support children getting excited about picking up a ball and playing sport after an incredibly difficult two years,” Mr McGovern said. 

“All it takes is one event like this to set someone up for a lifetime of healthy habits.”

Learn more about the championships here.