Polocrosse revival hopes
The Polocrosse National Championships are coming to Kaikohe for the first time in over 30 years.
Riders from the bottom of the South Island to the tip of the North will descend upon Kaikohe to participate in the event. Polocrosse Association secretary Sheree Marlow hopes it will draw huge crowds to Kaikohe showgrounds.
‘‘It’s certainly a privilege to host something of this magnitude and to showcase the north to the rest of the polocrosse community throughout New Zealand’’.
Polocrosse is a fast-paced sport that was developed in Australia before the second World War. Marlow says she has seen a decline in the number of members associated with polocrosse.
’’It was popular going back 20 years...so I really hope this event sparks a renewed interest, a revival of the sport in our region.’’
Polocrosse is certainly popular amongst Marlow’s own family.
Her husband, children, brother and father all take part in the sport.
‘‘It’s a fantastic family sport and great to be part of,’’ she says.
‘‘For my children it teaches them great horsemanship. At the same time it’s competitive and it teaches them teamwork and good team building skills.’’
Marlow’s daughter Melissa is a member of the junior development squad representing New Zealand and her son Sam has been member of the Junior New Zealand Polocrosse team.
The Polocrosse Nationals will be held at the Kaikohe showgrounds on March 31 and April 1.