Geotech backs Marist hockey tournament
The Marist Hockey Club officials received a timely boost of $25,000 from Geotech Drilling at the FASANOC conference room in Suva, yesterday.
The club will host the three-day tournament that starts next Friday where 12 men and five women’s teams will take part at the National Hockey Centre, Suva. Geotech managing director Gary Barnett said as sponsors they are focused in helping revive the sport in the country. “With the money we have sponsored, we hope to bring in more teams to help the sport grow and develop players,” he said.
“We have been sponsors for the last four years so this is our fifth year. This is the 25th anniversary and last year we gave $15,000. “Last year, the competition was well organised.
“We decided to make another sponsorship this year to mark the 25th anniversary.”
Barnett said his company has been backing hockey and lawn bowls.
“This is one of the biggest hockey sponsorships in the South Pacific. I’m just giving back to the community by supporting minor sports.
“I enjoy the sport and the competition that the teams bring during the tournament.”
Club president Martin Fong said the sponsorship has enabled teams from outside Suva to participate.
“It’s for transportation and accommodation.
“The focus is help in reviving hockey so with the sponsorship we are able to bring in teams from Levuka and Naidrodro from Ba. “For the women’s team all the districts are covered and it’s all thanks to Geotech.
“The bar has been raised really high since Geotech has come onboard.
“The hockey level has lifted despite this is the second year. “We have overseas teams coming to play. This year we expect a very competitive tournament.”
Fong said the ticket price is $3 flat and has urged hockey supporters to come out in number to show their support.