4th World Youth Hockey FestivalApril 27–May 3 - Victoria, CanadaAt the recently concluded World Youth Hockey Festival, held during the FIH Women’s Olympic Qualifier in Victoria Canada, the Pan American Region was well represented with 9 of the 29 participants from the Americas and 2 members of the staff. The Festival main activities were held at the University of Victoria Campus.
The participants were required to present their promotions for the Development of Hockey in their countries. Each of the participants presented on the Day 2 and Day 3 of the Festival. Chelsea Yogerst and Cara Eichenberger of the USA both presented on the “ways to attract men and boys to play Field Hockey in the USA”. They were both selected in the Final six who made their presentations on Day 6 to a panel of FIH members which included the President of the PAHF Mr. Tony von Ondarza and the Secretary of PAHF Dr. Sue Neill. Cara presented a very powerful advertisement which we hope can be used in some way by Field Hockey USA and Chelsea had a wonderful idea to start a Field Hockey Road Show using members of the present Men’s National Team. Each continent was required to provide information on their countries and the activities of Hockey in their countries and on Day 4 Americas Day the participants were treated to the diversity of the Americas in the Geography, the Cultural differences and of course the music of our vast Continent. The participants were treated to different sweets and delicacies of the Caribbean islands ,Mexico and Paraguay. The Staff member from Canada Veronica who is originally from Chili was able to add to the flavor of South America with music The many workshops included: The vast experience that many of the European participants was an eye opener for the participants of the Developing hockey countries and the Youth Panels in Germany, Holland, and England were very active organizing tournaments and events. While the tournaments were not on the same scale Kelly Rappe who lives in Colorado USA was able to show in her presentation that she had also organized school tournaments. One of the main benefits of the Festival was the sharing of information of all the young participants. Their enthusiasm to develop hockey in the Americas must be supported. Each of their presentations available to all NOCs would give an insight to the wealth of talent we have in the region. It is hoped that as the Festival grows we see more participants from the Americas joining in to what is to ALL an...
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Barbados
Canada
Mexico
Paraguay
Trinidad & Tobago
USA
: Denise from Paraguay, Arielle from T&T, Jabari from Barbados,<BR>Kelly from USA, Gill Marie from Barbados, Larissa from Canada and Annette from T&T<BR>Front row (left to right): Chelsea from USA and Cara from USA'))
