The challenge has been issued, the ring is ready and the fighters who have made it through the tough first rounds are now getting set for the final bout in the Print Championship of Australia, the 31st National Print Awards.
The Championship will be held at the Westin, Sydney on Friday 23 May and promoters are already talking it up as the fight of the year, with some of the sport’s biggest names going head to head with newcomers who are promising a no-holds-barred battle.
“There will be 33 tough rounds again this year, with contenders from around the country squaring up against some of the best in the business,” says Chairman of Promoters, John Wanless.
“More than 1700 contenders lined up for the deciding bouts in the State PICA competitions and only those who made it through those punishing rounds will once again take to the ring at the National Print Awards," he said.
"So punters can be sure that what they’ll see in Sydney in May will be the true champions of the industry going head to head.
"The judges for the bouts will be some of the toughest in the industry, well equipped to sort through the swag of knock-out entries to determine the final Champions."
The battle, however, began long before the prize fight was announced today. As Muhammad Ali once famously said, "The fight is won or lost far from witnesses – behind the lines, in the gym and out there on the road, long before I dance under those lights".
Those lining up in Sydney – whether they be the quick and nimble digital competitors, the quality offset performers with their stamina and endurance, or the true web and wide format heavyweights - have already been putting in the hard yards, day after day, week after week, honing their performance as they strive for excellence. In May, it will all pay off when the Champions take home the prize.
While the Championship rounds will dominate the evening’s proceedings, promoters are promising plenty more entertainment for punters on the night – although Mr Wanless was tight lipped when it came to detail.
“Let’s just say that the night will not only demonstrate beyond a shadow of a doubt that print still packs an almighty punch in Australia, but the calibre of entertainment will more than live up to the hype,” he promises.
Punters who want to guarantee their spot ringside for the industry’s ‘night of nights’ must move quickly by completing and returning one of the forms throughout the industry soon, going to www.nationalprintawards.com.au to download a booking form, or by contacting the promoters direct at printawards@printnet.com.au
Printing Industries Association of Australia
www.printnet.com.au
