Sport
Ballarat prepares for the School Sport Australia Games as a key event in the local youth sports calendar.
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Ballarat will host the School Sport Australia Games from October 25 to November 1, drawing over 1,500 student athletes and 3,000 family members for national championships in cricket, football, netball and swimming.
The multi-sport event places Ballarat at the centre of national youth competition across several disciplines. Athletes will compete at venues across the city during the October 25 to November 1 window, supported by the arrival of thousands of visitors.
Young Ballarat futsal players Sadie Smith and Madeline Hawker earned selection for the Victorian team at the 2025 Football Australia National Futsal Championships through the Futsal Ballarat Academy program. Separately, 16-year-old high-jumper Lauren Ford received the inaugural UB WestVic Academy of Sport Telstra Country Wide female Sports Star of the Year award.
New youth-focused sport facilities opened at Wendouree West Recreation Reserve, featuring the ReCranked Youth Shed along with skate, BMX and street soccer zones. The 2026 Winter Accessible Sport Calendar adds inclusive options including Special Olympics swimming, basketball and Ballarat Bulldogs all abilities football matches for youth and adults.
These developments provide ongoing infrastructure and calendar options that align with the upcoming national games period. Residents can review the 2026 Winter Accessible Sport Calendar through official Ballarat channels for program details and registration steps.
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