The Edo State Hockey Association Board, led by Chairman Dr. Walter Imoedemhe, is hosting a one-day Youth Hockey Fiesta this Saturday at the St. Maria Goretti College hockey stadium in Benin City.
The tournament will feature teams from St. Maria Goretti College, Benin; Niger College, Benin; Idia College, Benin; and Our Lady of Fatima College, Auchi.
Beyond the competition, the event promises veteran masters matches between Edo Hockey Masters (men and women), Gorretti Old Girls, and UNIBEN hockey teams.
A highlight will be the donation of 30 hockey sticks, 30 balls, 32 jerseys, and goalkeeper kits to St. Maria Goretti students by the Old Girls Association.
This tournament marks the culmination of the association’s efforts to develop pilot schools for hockey.
The initiative began with establishing hockey centers in these schools, staffed by coaches from the Edo State Sports Commission.
The competition serves as a chance to assess the association’s progress over the past year.
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In a recent board meeting, Dr. Imoedemhe acknowledged the association’s limited government support but expressed appreciation to its members for their dedication.
The association receives backing from Setraco Nigeria Ltd, Amobi Engineering, and Estymol Oil and Gas, along with the Edo State Sports Commission.
Dr. Imoedemhe emphasized the need for increased government support.
“We hope the government will complement our efforts by helping to repair training facilities, employ program athletes for hockey, and sponsor the state team to the upcoming national league in Kaduna on July 29,” he stated.