There will be no doubt a lot of sleepless nights as hundreds of Maitland sportspeople prepare for the culminations of their seasons on the weekend.
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More than 300 netballers from 48 teams will represent 13 clubs in 24 grand finals on Saturday.
The under-18 Maitland Pickers take to the field on Sunday and the Rams are flying the Maitland flag in third-grade hockey.
Grand finals are the culmination of many hours of training, excellence in games and hard work behind the scenes by administrators, trainers, canteen staff and volunteer umpires.
Winning a premiership binds teammates together long into the future and losing grand finals can fuel a desire to strive even harder next season.
But the biggest winners from this winter of football, rugby league, rugby union, netball, Australian rules, lawn bowls, squash, tennis, hockey and the plethora of other sports available in Maitland, are those who played or ensured the teams and individuals were able to compete week in, week out.
Participation in sport is a cornerstone of Australian society and has helped forge our sense of mateship, fair play, supporting the underdog and striving for excellence in all sorts of endeavours, sport related and not.
It provides a platform for young people to become fit and healthy, nurture leadership and teamwork skills and, just as importantly socialise and form lasting friendships.
The parents on the sidelines should not be forgotten, because they are the product of their parents’ selfless spirits of giving freely to ensure their children can enjoy all the benefits of sport.
It may seem a thankless task at times but in years to come it will be remembered by today’s youngsters as they embark on the same journey.