Founded in 1999

Written by Admin. Posted in Association

About eighteen years ago the Kuranda 8 Ball Association was started by Ken Alderdice and Mark Freeman. It had three aims.

1. We live in a multi-cultural and multi racial village. Everybody was going to be welcome in the association. Predudice would not happen. Well we were wrong! In the past ten years, we have had two instances of prejudice and both members were expelled by 100% vote immediately.

2. Everybody is equal. Nobody is ever turned away from our games—even if they have never played the sport before. We have had players who were ecstatic because they had sunk two balls in a game after three months of playing in our competition. We play serious; but understanding.

3. We are part of our community. Many other associations need our help. They may need drinkers in the bar, or a donation to the local community paper, or a help with Legacy badge sales. Lots of things. Also, when we play in outside tournaments, we are aware that we represent our village. We try to play hard, but always fair. We are the example by which others may judge our village.

A couple of years later, we decided that we would add another aim. That is that our players can aspire to the highest level at which they can compete. And we will support them financially, and in every other way possible. In the past ten years we have had 2 players represent Queensland Internationally, Six players represent us at State Trials and other achievements. We have done alright. We are not proud—but we are pleased with the success of our players.

From the left, Mark Freeman, Chris Jones, Ken Alderdice, Croc Pete, Bill Anderson, Barti Simon

From the left, Mark Freeman, Chris Jones, Ken Alderdice, Croc Pete, Bill Anderson, Barti Simon