Emmanuel wins Challenge Cup

Emmanuel Catholic Primary School, Mackay are the 2023 Catholic Schools Challenge Cup overall championship school following the staging of this year’s three-day Challenge Cup carnival held in Yeppoon in the first week of Term 3.

In its 17^th year, the Rugby League and Netball competition saw 800 excited competitors representing all 31 Catholic Education – Diocese of Rockhampton (CEDR) Primary schools, converge on the Capricorn Coast with Emmanuel winning the Rugby League and St Benedict’s Catholic Primary School, Yeppoon topping the Netball competition.

CEDR Director Leesa Jeffcoat said the highly anticipated carnival was a great opportunity for diocesan Catholic Primary school communities to come together in a spirit of friendship to build a sense of belonging and strengthen networks within Catholic Education.

“Challenge Cup is always characterized by excellent athletic endeavour, great sportsmanship and a wonderful spirit of camaraderie, respect and unity,” Miss Jeffcoat said.

“It’s a wonderful event for competitors and supporters and a much-loved sporting highlight in the lives of our Catholic Primary Schools across the Diocese of Rockhampton,” Miss Jeffcoat said.

Miss Jeffcoat paid tribute to Yeppoon host schools St Benedict’s and Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School for the significant undertaking in coordinating Challenge Cup and to the army of volunteer referees, officials and time-keepers who assisted throughout the competition.

Miss Jeffcoat also expressed gratitude to St Brendan’s College for the generous use of College grounds and facilities.

Division winners for Rugby League were awarded to the following Catholic Primary schools: Challenge Cup, Emmanuel (Mackay); Shield, St Patrick’s (Emerald); Plate, St Francis Xavier (Mackay); Bowl, St Brendan’s (Mackay); Medal, St Joseph’s (Clermont); Plaque, St Mary’s/St Joseph’s Bundaberg.

Division winners for Netball were: Challenge Cup, St Benedict’s (Yeppoon); Shield, St Anthony’s (North Rockhampton); Plate, St Paul’s (Gracemere); Bowl, St Mary’s (Bundaberg); Medal, Star of the Sea (Gladstone); Plaque, St Joseph’s (Mackay); Goblet, St Anthony’s 2 (Rockhampton); Vase, St Anne’s (Sarina).

Pctured above: Opening flag ceremony at the recent 2023 Challenge Cup held in Yeppoon.