Image: Stella Kennedy Photo: Kylie Wright

Mandurah, Western Australia (2 December 2024): WestOz Wakeboard Inc. is thrilled to announce that they have received WA Government support through the Sport and Recreation Events Funding program from the Department of Local Government, Sport and Culture, (DLGSC) to host the 2025 National Pro Wakeboarding Tournament.

The grant of $28,650 reflects the WA Government’s commitment to fostering international and national competitions in Western Australia, creating opportunities for visitors to experience the state’s rich cultural, sporting, and Aboriginal attractions.

Sport and Recreation Minister David Templeman said: “This exciting event will attract some of the world’s best wakeboarders to Mandurah and provide an amazing opportunity for our homegrown talent to shine. This support from the Cook Labor Government will also help to lift the profile of the sport and to showcase what WA has to offer both nationally and internationally.”

The National Pro Wakeboard Tournament is the main part of the Mandurah Action Sports Games which is a multi-action sports event.  The event, which is sanctioned by Waterski and Wakeboard Australia, will attract professional wakeboarders from across the country to complete in Mandurah at the highest level, showcasing their skills and athleticism.

This initiative will attract some of the world’s top junior wakeboarders to Mandurah, providing a platform for Western Australia's finest, including local talent Stella Kennedy, a recipient of a Peel Regional Academy of Sports Scholarship and Charlotte Mateljan, both current National Champions. Both girls were selected into the Australian Team and recently returned from China after competing in the 2024 IWWF World Wakeboard Championships. Charlotte placing 4th in Junior Women and Stella placing 3rd in Under 14 Girls.

Symonne Kennedy, President of WestOz Wakeboarding Inc, expressed her excitement: "This event will be spectacular for Mandurah and a significant boost for wakeboarding in Western Australia. Hosting a major event here will attract elite international and national riders fresh from the highly successful Melbourne Moomba Masters"

Event Director Tim Thirsk stated: “The funding support from The WA Government will increase the visibility of the sport of Wakeboarding, showcasing it at a national level to attract world class athletes to WA. It will not only enhances’ the skill level of our local athletes but also brings significant economic benefits to the Peel region by attracting international talent, families and their supporters. This will also be a massive highlight to the overall Mandurah Action Sports Games.”

The Mandurah Action Sports Games is one of Australia’s most diverse youth sporting events, featuring Wakeboarding, Skateboarding, BMX Freestyle, 3-on-3 Basketball, Scooter Riding, Electric Racing, Roller Skating, and Freestyle Motocross. Partnering with the iconic Mandurah Crab Festival, the event promises an unforgettable weekend of action, entertainment, and culinary delights.

Supported by the City of Mandurah, Tourism WA’s Regional Event Scheme, and the Peel Development Commission, the event underscores Mandurah’s status as a hub for youth-focused sport and active recreation.

About the Event:

The Mandurah Action Sports Games, supported through funding from the Peel Development Commission, is a multi-action sports event combining wakeboarding, skateboarding, BMX, and scooter competitions, alongside Apex Radiology Freestyle Motocross demonstrations. The event is proudly sponsored by Tourism WA Regional Events Scheme, the City of Mandurah, Malibu Boats, Coldmasters, Folklore Skateboards, Minute Man Press Perth, and Star Surf + Skate Mandurah.