Malta: Junior hockey festival held at Qormi  x3
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| HAM |
May 16, 2005
Steven Cachia
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Junior hockey festival held at Qormi
Rain did not stop festivities at the Qormi Hockey pitch on Saturday morning. 60 children, both girls and boys, from all clubs in Malta attended for the Global Youth Hockey Marathon organized by the Qormi Hockey Club. The International Hockey Federation marks the 14th and 15th May of every year with a world-wide marathon where countries from Afghanistan to Zimbabwe participate with tournaments, workshops and festivals.
In Malta, Under 15 participants where divided randomly into 10 teams representing the best hockey nations in the world. The tournament was played on a 6-a-side basis with no goalkeepers and the players themselves took part in the umpiring. Apart from the normal hockey games a treasure hunt around the complex was organized and the always popular tug-of-war competitions where great ice-breakers during the event. The tournament had also a special visit from the Tournament Director of the EHF Club Challenge II, Mr. Colin Crayford and the children had also the special opportunity to be umpired by the international umpires of the EHF tournament for the last two matches of the tournament. Swedish International Umpire, Mikkael Mattson said that he was impressed by the setup of the development system and that the hockey world is taking notice of the Maltese hockey teams. The young Maltese umpires also had the experience to umpire with the professionals and gain further knowledge of the game.
No finals where made and no medals where given but a Certificate of Participation from the Qormi Local Council was presented at the end of the event together with gifts from our sponsor, Maypole Bakery. The Qormi Mayor, Jesmond Aquilina gave the certificates to the children and gave a remarkable speech about how these events help young kids to express themselves in a controlled environment and help them to become better men and women in the future. The children where later transported to the National Hockey Centre where they watched the EHF match between Rabat Depiro and Partille HC. Local DJ Joe Tanti hosted the pre-match show with live entertainment from cheerleaders, Russian dancers and singing from Nicolle Mallia. Face painters where also present on the stands to the delight of the young children who wanted to paint their face with the red and white colours of Malta. Qormi Hockey Club President, Ian Crockford, stated that the club is looking to the future and the future looks bright for hockey, especially if these events are organized frequently.
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