A few games of netball have poured in hundreds of thousands of dollars into the Wollongong economy this weekend.
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Around 750 people hit the sand at North Wollongong for the second Beach Netball Festival on Saturday and Sunday.
Destination Wollongong general manager Mark Sleigh said the $300,000 in economic benefit wasn’t the only plus from the friendly competition.
“It’s a priceless reputational enhancement by showcasing our fantastic beaches in such a great way,” Mr Sleigh said.
More than 79 teams of all ages played in a round robin style competition with sporting celebrities Paige Hadley (NSW Swifts) and Kelsey Browne (Sunshine Coast Lightning) watching on.
While the event is only in its second year, event director Kate Hardwick said she wants it to continue to grow “for years to come”.
"This year has been absolutely amazing, it's really taken us by surprise how Wollongong and greater NSW has gotten behind the event," she said.
Beach Netball is one of 34 major events scheduled across adventure, the arts, innovation, sport, food and beverage this financial year – forecast to bring in $56 million to the Wollongong economy.