PE hockey doyen’s non-racial legacy lives on

Legendary Port Elizabeth hockey doyen Kenneth March might be gone, but his legacy will live on after he was awarded the Steve Tshwete Lifetime Achievement Award at the South African Sports Awards on Sunday.

March, who died more than a decade ago, was honoured with the award for his outstanding contribution to the fight for non-racial sport.

The award is presented to individuals who excel in sport for an extended period and who make a significant impact.

Gary Dolley, a former teacher and hockey player, also spoke in glowing terms about the work March did to grow the sport.

“He was one of the founder members of men’s hockey in South Africa in the 60s.

“His favourite club, of which he was chairman, was Bluebells Hockey Club, in the Springdale area.

“Moreover, he was the president of the South African Hockey Board for about 25 years and he was also the only person who was president of the South African Baseball Association, both of which were affiliated to the South African Council on Sport,” Dolley said.

“He was a very loyal administrator, a no-nonsense person who was dedicated to the upliftment of hockey around the country, so much so that over the Easter holidays a festival is celebrated by clubs from the previous Sacos era, who have honoured him by naming tournaments after him.”

Dolley said March was a staunch supporter of non-racial sport, despite not being a politically inclined individual.

“He was a true volunteer who would sacrifice his own time and money to serve hockey; most hockey gatherings would happen at his house, and he would be on every bus that travelled to the different tournaments wherever they were being played,” he said.

Dolley also highlighted the work of Frank van der Horst, who served as a secretary under March on the SA Hockey Board during the 1970s.

“If we want to build proper communities again, we need to go back to community structures – these guys were embedded in the community – for the love of the sport, they were volunteers and good leaders with good values, which is the reason our federations were so well led during that time.”

In a statement, the Port Elizabeth Sports Legends Trust spoke glowingly of March and his contribution to sport.

“Kenny March worked tirelessly during his lifetime for non-racial sport and the recognition given is not only well deserved but long overdue.

“[He was a] charismatic administrator who served hockey with distinction and was a respected and muchloved sports icon.

“The news of the award is received with great enthusiasm by those who had the pleasure and privilege to have been in his exuberant company.”