A new event is set to hit the beach in Port Douglas with the inaugural Sandy Sticks and Spokes beach hockey and mountain bike weekend kicking off next month.

And you’re advised to get your tackling, dribbling and goal scoring skills ready.

The Douglas Hockey Association and the Port Douglas Mountain Bike Club are joining forces for a family beach weekend on Port Douglas’s Four Mile Beach over the weekend of September 12 and 13.

A round robin beach hockey tournament for juniors on the Saturday and adults on the Sunday followed by a mountain bike race on the Sunday are pipped to be the start of a new regular event in the local calendar.

Douglas Hockey Association President Greg Mill said: “This is the first year we’re running this event and have great hopes for a strong turnout on glorious Four Mile Beach over both days.

“The weekend’s events are supporting a number of other events happening in and around Port Douglas with a focus on both community and visitation from outside the region.

“We have a jam-packed program of events over the weekend, taking full advantage of enjoying our wonderful beach environment and the sporting clubs in our community,” Mr Mill said.

The Sandy Sticks and Spokes event includes a variety of events over the weekend, starting with the Saturday junior tournament from 9:00am – 3:30pm and Sunday adult tournament 9:00am – 3:30pm (with a celebrity challenge game added Sunday lunchtime). 

Junior, Senior, Mixed and Celebrity teams are now open for registration, each with 5 people a side playing a round robin style tournament.

Sunday’s bike race will consist of a run speed race for the serious riders; longest mono and a fun race for the kids.

A BBQ will also be set up on North Four Mile Esplanade, with all money raised going to both sporting organisations.

For the full weekend-long program, go to the Douglas Hockey Association Facebook page.