12 December 2017
Press Release
The Parkdale Gift – Sporting Carnival is proud to announce that the Australian Iconic Bendigo Bank located in Parkdale/ Mentone East as the Naming Rights Sponsor of the Bendigo Community Bank Parkdale Gift for both Men and Women.
Each Gift for Men and Women is worth $5,000 and will ensure a top class fields one week prior to the running of the world renown Stawell Gift held one week later, and the Commonwealth Games in Australia two weeks later.
The events have been declared non-penalty by the Victorian Athletic League. Country Victorian and Interstate Athletes can stay at the Dingley Hotel where full accommodation and meals are available and a free shuttle bus to and from the track provided will make for a great traffic free event.
The Parkdale Gift was originally held for two years between 1963-64. On March 24 2018 the Parkdale Gift – Sporting Carnival returns to the same ground 54 Years later. The Parkdale Gift – Sporting Festival will create an event into an ongoing financially viable and sustainable community event of significance within Victoria and specifically the municipality of the City of Kingston.
The Parkdale Gift vision is to involve the Melbourne community, local sporting clubs, schools businesses and the community to hold four internationally recognised sports to provide a “smorgasbord of sport” on the one day. The event will present a unique experience for both spectators, athletes & participants and the community and show case:
- Professional Running from 70m – 1600m
- Parkdale Tennis “Fast Four” Championship.
- Dingley Hotel Golden Gloves Boxing.
In addition to these main sports it is proposed to undertake a range of additional activities which includes:
- Hodges Healthy Start Event.
- Involvement of local sporting clubs and associations (football, cricket & tennis).
- Involvement of a Bayside Schools U/16 Championship over 120m and
- The City of Kingston Twilight Market.
- Food Vans & Activities for all.
Parkdale Gift Organiser – Tim Mason said
“If it wasn’t for the Bendigo Bank in Parkdale – the resurgence of the old Parkdale Gift 54 years later may NOT have happened. Our focus is not only the athletes but the involvement of the Community including the Parkdale Football, Cricket and Tennis Clubs and the City of Kingston has been vital. The range of events, athletes – many of whom we expect from Interstate and activities provides something for everyone. The Bendigo Banks contribution to the Community is significant and the Parkdale Gift looks forward to the 2018 event with great enthusiasm”.
Parkdale Bendigo Bank Manager Peter Wolff said
“An opportunity to become involved in such a unique community event with so many activities on the one day within the City of Kingston was something that we are pleased to be involved in. The outcomes and benefits to the community groups, community, schools and local business’s will ensure that this event will remain on the City of Kingston Callander for many years to come”.
For Further Information contact
Parkdale Gift Organiser
Tim Mason
0456 985 201
timmason1965@gmail.com