The Taieri Queen's Birthday junior seven-a-side tournament will celebrate its 50th birthday next month.
The event was first held in 1962 at Memorial Park as the pavilion at Peter Johnstone Park was under construction.
Forty-two teams, mainly from the metropolitan area, participated in the inaugural event.
Over the past few years an average of 90 teams from throughout Otago have participated, with each team of 10 players. There are seven age grades from under-7 to under-13.
It is well supported and an estimated 2000 people come to Peter Johnstone Park on the day.
In 1966, the tournament was held entirely at Peter Johnstone Park for the first time. It has been held at the ground since then.
In 1967, the winners' medals were presented by former All Black captain Peter Johnstone, after whom the ground is named.
The tournament has grown into a highly organised event that is completed in five hours. Each team plays three pool games with the winners advancing to the semifinals and finals.
The tournament is usually held on Queen's Birthday Monday but will be held on the Sunday this year, followed by a reunion at the clubrooms at night for all past and present coaches, administrators, committee members and players.
