12th October 2009
FIH Hockey Day magic with Olympian Helen
Magically it was third time lucky for World Hockey Day in Carmarthenshire as the first day designated by the International Hockey Federation in May was a washout as was the second one in July.
The sunshine in late September at Ammanford Leisure Centre enabled hosting club Clwb Hoci Dinefwr A'r Fro to finally get the show on the road.
Carmarthenshire Hockey Development Officer Rae Ellis said the theme was "Magic Tricks" because the FIH believe in individual skills development and wanted to stimulate all young players to pick up their sticks and practice "till it's magic".
Fifty children attended from the ages of six through to 15 with players completing a "magic tricks" circuit of 10 stations with players having to execute a "trick" of some sort with the hockey ball and stick. The stations were manned by the senior players from Clwb Hoci Dinefwr A'r Fro. Certificates were awarded to the best "trickster" at each station.
Helen Morgan, former GB & Wales goalkeeper, a bronze medallist at the 1984 Barcelona Olympics was present. Not only did she encourage players but also presented the awards and tackled a question and answer session and told them stories of her Olympic experience.
Club chairperson, Nia Salini, said the extra 'magic' was the presence of Helen. Carmarthenshire Hockey Development Officer Rae Ellis said: "this is an annual event around the world and Clwb Hoci Dinefwr A'r Fro were really supportive of the Carmarthenshire contribution. An event like this is great for the junior members of the club and I was particularly pleased to see members from the newly formed Under 15 hockey club - Tywi Teigrod based at Tregib school attend."
County Executive Board member for Leisure Services, Cllr. Clive Scourfield, said hockey was certainly on the up in the county and it was all down to the hard work and enthusiasm of existing clubs and County Sports Development Officers.
