Memorabilia auction

Sports Memorabilia fans take note – the Kiama Lions, Kiama Rotary and Kiama Sports Association Gala Charity Sports Dinner on October 11 will have a virtual plethora of prized items that will suit all sports buffs.

Items include a rare cricket bat signed by all teams participating in the 1992 World Cup played in Australia and New Zealand, a cricket shirt signed by all members of the Australian one day cricket side who took part in the recent 5-0 drubbing of the West Indies, a number of signed and framed NRL jumpers, Olympic memorabilia from the recent Beijing Games, a framed and autographed red handkerchief signed by former Australian Test cricket captain Steve Waugh plus several other highly sought-after items.

“One that will probably create that bit of extra interest will be an autographed surf board signed by budding surf champion Sally Fitzgibbons,” event spokesman David Hall said.

“Sally’s performances this year in the women’s World Qualifying Tour, which have seen her qualify faster for the World Championship Tour than any surfer in history, male of female, means that this may well be much more than just a memorabilia item – it could be a sound financial investment,” he added.

The auction will be just part of what promises to be a great night’s entertainment, beginning with the Kiama Independent Sport Star awards, with six divisions and around 30 nominees battling out the first award since 2001, when current Olympic rower Zoe Uphill won the award for her performances in netball.

Former test cricket leg-spinner Kerry O’Keeffe will be special guest speaker, while Sydney show band FABBA will entertain the crowd with their ABBA show.

Tickets, which include a smorgasbord dinner, are $60 per head and available at Kiama Newsagency in Terralong St, Kiama.

The Gala Charity Dinner is the final event of Kiama Council’s Health, Sports and Fitness promotions which will be held at the Kiama Leisure Centre on the weekend of October 3 and 4.

The event will include a Gala Expo opening and annoucement of the council’s first Sports Honour Roll as well as a fun run on Saturday, together with the Expo to be held at the Leisure Centre.

A limited number of stalls at the Expo are still available through Carole Johnson on 0419 464 753.