Special focus for young indigenous players
A GROUP of junior Cairns hockey players will play a major role at next week’s historic FIH Pro League double headers at Perth.
Australia’s men’s and women’s teams will wear specially-designed indigenous playing kits when they take on Argentina on the weekend of March 6-7.
Young indigenous hockey players from the Cairns Aspire to be Deadly program will play in a five-a-side game at halftime in both Pro League games.
“There will be very much an indigenous theme across the two match days. We will have some cultural activities incorporated within the matches which will add to the celebration,” Hockey Australia CEO Matt Favier said.
“But probably the piece that will be most exciting is the kids from the Cairns Aspire to Be Deadly Indigenous Hockey Program getting to play on the pitch and be part of the day.
“This will be about celebrating current and future talent by giving these young indigenous kids an opportunity to experience something they would never have done before.”
The kits have been designed and painted by former Olympian,
Hockeyroo and Federal senator Nova Peris PAM, and includes artwork by indigenous artist Nathan Patterson.
“This is an opportunity for hockey in Australia to celebrate indigenous players who have played for Australia over time,” Favier said.
“It is our chance to say thank you and to acknowledge them, and more broadly to recognise and celebrate the role that indigenous people play in
Australian culture and our community, particularly through sport.”
The major ceremonial events will take place on Saturday, March 7, and will incorporate a host of elements including a traditional Welcome to Country and indigenous dancers.
The Cairns players will receive their uniforms at a presentation next week, before flying out on Thursday night.