Sat 5 Jul, 2008
|
|
|
|
Barbados: Banks Festival Final was simply outstanding  x18
 |
| Americas |
August 31, 2005 
Barbados Advocate, Barbados
> Page Views 31003
The sport of hockey has been given a boost with the successful hosting of the recently concluded 20th Banks Interna-tional Hockey Festival. A boost, which if managed and handled properly could serve the sport well in its future endeavours.
This years festival saw teams coming to the tournament for various reasons and in the end, all had a good time. However, for the four semi-finalists, the Banks Hockey Festival was about playing serious hockey for 70 to 80 minutes.
This spirit of the festival was lost on the finalists, especially in the mens competition where the fun and enjoyment of the sport and of the occasion turned into bitter rivalry.
Both teams missed the opportunity to showcase their skill and talent, and really put hockey first. The large crowd that turned out, braved driving rain and waited around, only to witness physical and bruising exchanges. They were less than happy with this display which promised so much from the two top teams, both of whom had boasted of the crème de la crème of hockey talent in Barbados.
With the Federation directing all of its energies towards restoring the festival to its hard won and highly acclaimed position on the world hockey calendar, both sides local sides, missed out on a golden opportunity in the final, to continue to project Barba-dos as the sports tourism capital of the hemisphere.
Team officials, managers and coaches must be able to see the bigger picture and divest themselves of the myopic apparitions that enslave them. They continue to project themselves as bigger than the game. For the final game on Saturday night, one of these officials ensconced himself on the bench at the semi-final stage, but had very little to offer for the upliftment of hockey, but used the occasion to push his personal agenda and to settle outstanding vendettas. = Clearly the only losers here will be hockey and the very dedicated players who ran their hearts out for their teams. The Federation must move swiftly to rid itself of these persons, and be particularly careful when selecting officials for national duty, as persons of this ilk can do more harm to the sport than the torrential rains of the last week. Officials serving at the highest level need to understand their roles, the benefits of teamwork, the strategies of the game, and not be caught up in the expression of petty jealousies in their decision making.
The Federation, however, despite the many interruptions of rain, should feel justly proud of putting on the local sporting show of the week. Kudos must go to Mark Owen and his Festival committee for restoring some pride in the Banks Festival in its 20th year. The clear and informative games reports of the young and exuberant Donovan Smith, PRO of the Federation were refreshing. This young committee deserves a well done for stepping up and taking the reins; hockey obviously has the talent to take it forward for the next 20 years. Here again, the Federation has to select wisely and correctly, those persons with the sport at heart.
Your opinion counts.
Rate this article or enter your comments below.
|
Opinions expressed here do not represent the official views of PlanetFieldHockey.com or its staff. Comments will be removed if they are considered offensive or of a personal nature.
Comments on this article
|
hockeyplayer
08-31-2005 10:22 pm
|
Report this post
|
|
This article speaks volumes. What is the person talking about ?
|
|
Canuck
09-01-2005 8:36 am
|
Report this post
|
who won the Banks HOckey Festival Mens Final? (EOM)
who won the Banks HOckey Festival Mens Final?
|
|
revdogg
09-01-2005 1:49 pm
|
Report this post
|
keep it up
Mark/Donovan,
Congrats on a great tournament. Banks is still the best.
|
|
Chairman
09-01-2005 3:09 pm
|
Report this post
|
Canuck
ABC won the men's final 2-1. Old Gold Roosters 4-3, Remnants won the mixed 8-2 and All Stars won the Vets after topping the round robin table. All in all the tournament came off well and the feedback has been good.
The article refers to a poor final, which seems to be contrary to what the many spectators who were also there have stated. I cannot speak personally speak for any behaviour on the sidelines, but I have to stress that the tone of this article is representative of the writer's opinion alone and not of the organising committee or the B'dos Hockey Federation. The article leaves the reader with a very disjointed and ambigious view of events and I would strongly urge that they desist from using public forums to advance any agendas he/she may have.
If these incidents did occur I will ask the writer to please contact me so that they can be dealt with in the correct manner.
|
|
PRO
09-01-2005 4:23 pm
|
Report this post
|
Thanks for the compliments RevDogg. We are trying hard to relive the festival of old. It will take some time but I know it as long as the Lord sees it fit that it will happen.
To answer your question Canuck ..ABC deservedly won the men's final.
|
|
hockeyplayer
09-01-2005 4:26 pm
|
Report this post
|
RE: Canuck
Hey Canuck. ABC deservedly won the men's final. if watched it they played the better hockey on the night. Dominion lost due to some ridiculous decisions and subs.
|
|
Pinky
09-01-2005 5:17 pm
|
Report this post
|
Banks festival
What has the Hockey Federation to do with this article. These two teams are only festival teams.Did the Federation pick the officials for these teams?
A good festival to attend.
People like the late liming at the Hockey facility with the various foods, old friends etc, and find it a little difficult to uproot and go off to the night event at other destinations, e.g. the Monday night.Please keep EVERYTHING there at base.
|
|
Striker
09-03-2005 9:37 am
|
Report this post
|
Festival
This article clearly is the opinion of a player on the loosing side who has to speak to his Coach or whoever is responsible for his team.
That was a good final and enjoyed by all those who had a chance to watch it. One team was able to adjust after the break much better than the other.
The Festival was well organised lots of fun and enjoyed by all who attended. I was present at the Turf most of the time and a great time was had.
I like the Idea of having those late nights at theturf but to do that a greater effort will have to be made to upgrade the physical plant.
I would love to see the entire facility turned into a Tent City with Entertainment every night.
I can't leave with out Congratulating the winners of 2005.
What can I say about Remnants an 8-2 Mauling of the ABC lads and lasses. A goal for every year.Beware next years finalist 9 sounds bad.
Oldgold Roosters, great win you played a great sensible game the only team who can party with Remnants and remain alive. Congrats Ricky They can't touch you, always a winner
ABC that was a battle you could win so in the future Pick your Fights carefully. Only fight those you have a chance in. Next year I backing Do Bad Crew.Mark I know a little fellow who said he wants to play with you next year so that may change my mind.
To the All Stars great work with the VETS but beware some youngsters coming on line with other teams. To all CONGRATULATIONS.
Chairman 05 I reserve the Biggest for you A GREAT JOB WITH THE TOOLS YOU HAD as more tools become available I can see we will have to restrict the entries in a few short years you and your team have done a great job, don't stop lets get the plans for 06 on the road.
Striker
|
|
Ferda
09-04-2005 4:09 pm
|
Report this post
|
It would appear that the author of this article was not present at the final and was given information that reflected an individual's opinion who may very well have an axe to grind. It is so obvious that the author of this article has a personal agenda, he/she forgot to mentioned the winners of the various categories in the Festival. I hope never to see such an article again trying to disguise itself as a report on Hockey. This is more suited as a letter to the editor detailing a misguided personal opinion.
Congratulations to the Chairman and Organising Committee of the Festival. Considering what you had at your disposal it was a job well done. I look forward to a better and bigger Festival in 2006.
One suggestion, play more games (if not all the games, if possible) on the AstroTurf, almost every year rain spoils the scheduling of games on grass and there are rescheduled to the Astroturf. Start hockey earlier if necessary and finish later, transform the AstroTurf into a Hockey Village, when players come they should have no reason to leave, everything they need or most things will be there.
Anyway looking forward to next year.
Ferda
|
|
#17
09-05-2005 12:57 pm
|
Report this post
|
De Festival
As an ABC player who played in that final I must say the article leaves me a bit puzzled. It was an hard fought final but all of the players know each other well and I can't recall any tackle that was really nasty or dangerous. It was a fun game to play in and call me biased but we showed up for that game and were the quicker team to adapt to the sloppy conditions after the torrential rain delay. Dominion are a tremendous team and I look forward to meeting them hopefully in the final again next year.
I do aggree that alot of the enthusiam for the festival has subsided in recent years. We can point fingers in all directions for the decline in attendence and touring teams but at this point that wouldn't change anything. The great thing is that they have new young blood in the festival committee who are players that have grown up alongside this festival. We need to make the festival a festival again. It use to be about the parties and the drinks and we still managed to play good hockey...well except for most of the touring teams who would be down to 10 players by Wednesday as the result of the cheap rum and beer. There is still nothing like the Wanderers hockey team fete that use to be on the Wednesday night. Dancing until 4 and then having a game at 9. It would be great to have the whole festival at the turf as the spectators really add to the hockey. Of course with men, womens, mixed and veterans playing it will be rough to do although once the rain starts and all the fields get flooded they still seem to make it work every year. We had two games that started at 12:30 in the morning but we didn't mind as it was under the lights at the turf....that is just part of the festival. What about starting games earlier each day...I think they started at 10 this year. I have played in tournaments in the US where we had games at 7 and 8 in the morning. Yes I will cuss about it when I see my fixtures but a 7 o'clock game at the turf is a whole lot better hockey than 10 o'clock at BET grass field. What about a party tent at the turf? The obvious hurdle at the moment seems to be the residents of the neighbourhood next to the turf who constantly complain about the noise. This year the police were called to close down the karaoke one night which I thought was a fun idea to have. For an event which is one of our big events in the sports tourism calendar these people need to be more tollerant to the 'inconvenience' of music playing at the turf for one week in the year. Lets not forget what runs the Barbadian economy....sweet sweet tourism dollars.
We the players along with the fans need to do our part and not just blame committees.
Lets us spread the word to our hockey friends around the world and invite them down, attend the events and the parties during the week, invite friends to watch some hockey at the turf, support the bar and food stalls, buy a festival T-Shirt...which reminds me...I didn't see any this year. This is our festival and we need to take responsibility for this event to ensure its success.
Overall a great year with some great hockey. The committee is trying to make changes and all towards the right direction. Next year should be bigger and better (hopefully with less rain).
ABC forever!!!!!!!
|
|
Chief Rooster
09-06-2005 2:20 pm
|
Report this post
|
Article
August 31, 2005
Barbados Advocate, Barbados
Extremely poor; The Writer does not speak to the Article's Headline.
The festival's upwards curve has started: we still have a number of logistical challenges to produce the right package that will sustain itself as a strong sport tourism product.
The potential is all there to produce a really International Tournament & Festival, however; major infrastructure and investments hold the key.
Your Festival Chairman is sharp and together we will find ways in producing the right mix.
|
|
Burkie
09-06-2005 3:10 pm
|
Report this post
|
Festival
Your comments about appres hockey are duly noted.
Please note that the "Roosters" were out crowing to 6 and 7 am every night even on nights before semi-finals and finals. Then we were up fresh and ready to play our 10:00 am games. I believe that Mark purposely scheduled all of our games for 10:00 am to test the stamina of the "Rooster".
We look forward to a bigger and better festival next year.
Keep the vibes positive and help us to restore the festival to what it once was.
Also remember that it is hard to keep a good Rooster down.
Regards
|
|
Beelzebub
09-06-2005 3:42 pm
|
Report this post
|
Festival
More teams = more sport. Less talk, more action required. Good job to Mark and everyone involved nonetheless.
|
|
Burkie
09-06-2005 3:45 pm
|
Report this post
|
Improvement
A little more pokey couldn't hurt a fella.
|
|
#5
09-07-2005 10:54 am
|
Report this post
|
Banks Hockey Festival
I thought I was at the finals of the hockey festival but reading the article above it leads me to believe that I may have really been in the "TWILIGHT ZONE" - What in heavens name is that person talking about???
The men's final was not a great game but it was a good game played in the spirit of the festival and I congratulate the winners ABC who clearly demonstrated that they wanted to win.
Congrats to Mark and the members of his committee who actually worked to make the festival a success - There were some I know who did not pull their weight and are now falsely basking in the glory of the tournament's success - SHAME ON YOU!!! Donovan, remember the PR is about HOCKEY not YOU and not MAPLE - I know you can do better just be a little less self-centred and come down a couple of knotches!
It would be remiss of me if I did not make a comment on the president of the BHF. As a hockey player in Barbados (some 22 years now) I find it quite shameful that we have elected a president who obviously cares very little about hockey in Barbados (he argues differently of course). My comment comes from simply observing his modus operandi and the relationship (or lack ther of) he has with the sport and with the local teams. We have a president who does not come out and support the sport during our local league competition - He makes an "APPEARANCE" it seems only when something IMPORTANT is happening. This only scratches the surface of comments which could be made about him as there are several more biting ones which could be made about the way he has chosen to run the affairs of the BHF - VOOM VOOM VOOM!!! Look at the state of the facility - what is happening to the maintenance of the turf itself, the grounds, the changing rooms and bathroom facilities, lights not working properly, don't talk about the water pump to wet the turf - It is shameful!
We have several local players who have the capability to work together collectively and take both local and international hockey in Barbados to another level - It has obviously outgrown the present committee especially the president. A good business plan and marketing plan needs to be developed for BHF with their implementation being led by persons who really have the skills to successfully execute them and are not in it for PERSONAL GAIN. I am willing to step up and take the challenge, who is with me?
|
|
Brown Sugar
09-08-2005 1:08 pm
|
Report this post
|
The meaning of Banks
I haven’t read ALL the above comments in detail, but I feel I MUST add my piece
I have attended 18 of the 20 Banks' Festivals. I missed '97 and I missed this year and there was a reason for missing this year.
One of the joys of sport is making and building long lasting friendships and this is a part of the festival that I thrive on.
Another aspect of it is watching and learning "good hockey", from both local and foreign teams.
One must also be aware of the meaning of words.
If someone could give me the Caribbean definition of "BANKS FESTIVAL" it may go something like this - play hockey at times, drink, make friends, drink, exchange numbers, drink, hang out on the turf while drinking, lime on Banks grounds and probably have a drink, party-drink-party!! (did I mention drinking?)
Anyway….
Within the last 2 years, the festival has lost that!!
The “festive” part of the “festival” has gone
Gone are the days when the last whistle was blown, the deejay would be on hand to strike up the Bajan road march and start the revelry on the turf, causing participants to leave in the wee hours of the next morning, hurt or “badly wounded”.
When we return the next day, we then tend to look around to see, as the Bajans would say, “dem who mek it”’
Don’t get me wrong here, it’s also a lot about hockey and when crunch time reaches, and the finals are upon us, we, by nature, EXPECT good hockey!
We definitely don’t expect friends/comrades to go at each other’s throats in a final
You see we come from a culture where all us hockey players partake in competitive hockey all year and when the time comes around to fly to Barbados we automatically go into ‘casual” mode.
It should be mandated that the festival organizers’ main objective is to INSIST that ALL participants leave Barbados sunburnt, half tight and smiling, while shouting “Ah can’t wait for next year!!”
Having said that, “I guh see wunnah nex year”!! :o)
|
|
Interesting
09-11-2005 3:21 pm
|
Report this post
|
|
#5 do you want to be president? What you have to offer?
|
|
ERWAN
09-12-2005 4:17 pm
|
Report this post
|
UMPIRE FROM FRANCE
DON'T FORGET ME !
eguenole@wanadoo.fr
|
|
|
|
 |
HOME | FEATURES | CLUBHOUSE | CAMPS | LINKS | ABOUT US | STORE | ADVERTISE
Use of this site is subject to certain Terms & Conditions.
|
|
|
