The event is one of the most popular sporting fixtures on the southern calendar for junior players. 

Rand is a small township in the eastern Riverina and the long-running sports carnival serves as a vital fundraiser for the region.

The event attracted about 2000 players, supporters, coaches and umpires and distance was no barrier for teams. Children from Victoria, southern NSW and throughout the Riverina all participated in the netball and football carnival. 

James Kreutzberger of Rand Public School parents and citizens group acknowledged the work of volunteers who had helped to make the event a success. 

“Rand Public is a small rural school … we couldn’t do it will out our energetic and dedicated volunteers,” he said. 

On Sunday morning the grounds at Rand were picture perfect.

Several different footy fields had been marked out to cater for the influx of teams. And netball courts were carefully measured on the school grounds to support the many players. In addition the canteens were in full swing to serve the hungry crowds of players and supporters. 

“This carnival is a great boost to our small community and hundreds of kids at Rand Public have benefited from it over the years,” he said.

It is believed the much-loved carnival has been running for more than 35 years and parents on the sidelines had commented that they remembered playing at Rand. 

“The kids always have a great time and the parents and officials love catching up year after year,” Mr Kreutzberger said. 

“This carnival is a great boost to our small community and hundreds of kids at Rand Public have benefited from it over the years. “But it’s much, much more than a fundraiser.”