Sport
2 October, 2024
Mount Isa in line to host major eight-ball events
The local association is hoping to bring top players to the Outback.
Mount Isa Eight Ball Association president Daniel “DJ” Simpson says a dedicated space at the Irish Club and a recent round of state government funding is bringing the club ever closer to its ambition of hosting state trial events in our city.
Simpson said the association was awarded a $35,000 grant under the Gambling Community Benefit Fund earlier this year which allowed the club to purchase nine “Supreme” six-foot competition standard tables.
He said the Irish Club had also provided a permanent downstairs space where the association hosted weekly cash competitions as well as eight-ball league and affiliated events, such as the City vs Country qualifications at the weekend.
Simpson said the association planned to apply for another grant in the coming months to purchase live-streaming equipment, which is required for larger regional and state trials events.
“One of the biggest challenges for our members is the travel required to take part in events across North Queensland,” he said.
“We would like to be able to host some events in Mount Isa in the future, such as the state trials, so our guys can play the best players without having to travel long distances to compete.”
Simpson said the association had about 80 active members with a busy event calendar that focused on team league competitions in the winter months and individual competitions during the summer months.