Meet sign of things to come

MORE than 1000 competitors will converge on Cairns later this week for the country’s biggest hockey tournament at a new-look facility in line for more key events.

A host of Cairns players will feature in Queensland teams at the Australian Men’s Masters Championships, tipped to bring 3000 new faces to the region between now and the October 10 grand final day.

With an economic impact conservatively estimated at $7 million, the tournament will benefit local accommodation providers, transport companies, tour operators, restaurants and retailers.

The two-field facility in Cairns North has undergone a facelift of sorts in the past year, with Hockey Australia bosses keeping a close eye on a region they have plans for.

“Cairns is a region Hockey Australia is keen to take more events to in the future, and this mass participation event being successfully delivered will be a key step towards future events, including internationals involving the Hockeyroos or Kookaburras, returning to Cairns,” Hockey Australia boss Cam Vale said.

“The Australian Men’s Masters is one of the key events in Hockey Australia’s event portfolio, and we are excited to have it hosted in Cairns.”

Local players have pitched in countless times in the past year to get the place up to scratch, working bees well-attended in recent weeks.

“Our members have been forthcoming and generous in their support and along with council and local business, we are able to ensure that Cairns as a hockey destination is looking its very best,” tournament organising committee chairman Jason Fowler said.

Play begins for the 72 teams this Saturday and will run for 15 days.