45th
Anniversary Moomba Masters
Recognised
as an Event of Significance by Victorian Government
The world’s favourite water
ski tournament will head back to the banks of Melbourne’s Yarra River when the
2005 Moomba Masters splashes into town on Wednesday 9 March.
Recognising the importance of
the Moomba Masters to the people of Victoria, and water skiers of the world,
the event was launched on Friday by Deputy Premier of Victoria, The Honorable
John Thwaites and Melbourne’s Lord Mayor Councillor John So in a large-scale
media call on the banks of the Yarra River. All major television networks and
daily newspapers were in attendance to hear the announcement that the Victorian
Government and City of Melbourne were lending their support in the form of a cash
sponsorship to the event.
After the announcement
Minister Thwaites and the Lord Mayor took a ride in the new Correct Craft Ski
Nautique 196 whilst local skier, and Australian Overall Champion Karen Jackson
completed a trick and slalom demonstration. Event Manager Sally Morris, who was
driving the boat didn’t take long to convince the Official Party how great our
sport is, and has even convinced the Minister to learn how to ski ! An
appointment has been made for him to brave the waters next summer!
Gaining such high-level
recognition and commitment is very important to the future of the Moomba
Masters, given the challenges which lay ahead with the staging of the
Commonwealth Games in Melbourne next March.
Over the years Moomba has
become a favourite destination for many of the worlds elite water ski athletes,
13-Time Men’s Slalom Champion and Record Holder Andy Mapple speaking about
Moomba - “The crowd at the Moomba Masters is unbelievable! It is an awesome
event and a Melbourne is great place to visit.”
The Moomba Masters is not only a favourite with the competitors, but
with Melburnians, who have been gathering by the Yarra River in their thousands
and enjoying this free water ski spectacular for over forty years!
Moomba will run between
Wednesday 9 March and Monday 14 March.
Pictured below left to right
in the new Ski Nautique 196 Moomba Boat
Mr Michael Crutchfield,
Member of Parliament (Victoria – Geelong Local Member)
The Honourable John Thwaites,
Deputy Premier of Victoria
Karen Jackson
Melbourne Lord Mayor,
Councillor John So
Sally Morris