Top news for local hockey turf
This hockey turf means much more than just a quality surface for serious hockey players.
Hurunui Hockey Club’s turf is at Amuri Area School, and when the more traditional serious winter hockey season is wrapped up, it becomes the home for family summer hockey.
Lou Mones-Cazon is president of Hurunui Hockey Club, and said this means a place of friendship, community spirit, skill gathering, and great memories.
The turf is also used for soccer and cricket.
On Friday night Hurunui Hockey Club was acknowledged for its vision, by being awarded Hockey New Zealand’s Community Initiative Of The Year, through Canterbury Hockey Association.
Lou said she can’t thank enough those in the community who have got behind this venture through solid hard work and funding.
“It was really humbling winning that award. This turf is not just about the competition, it’s about bringing everyone together.”
Huge community support in the way of written letters played a big part in the turf becoming a reality.
Lou said the Club worked closely with Canterbury Hockey Assn when planning the turf, thus received funding to make it happen.
Board of Trustees donated $50,000, Rata Foundation donated $50,000, Pub Charity donated $20,000, and Lottery Community Facilities donated $327,000.
“Enhancing community wellbeing is a big part of having this facility,” said Lou.
The turf was installed on June 28, 2019.
The summer hockey competition has just drawn to a close, which attracted five teams this year.
“The summer league is an opportunity to try a new sport, and it was great to see families all cheering each other on.”
Lou, who has played for her home country of Argentina and is a mother of seven, encourages anyone to give hockey a go. From skills programmes to summer hockey to winter competition, there is something for everyone.
Email hurunuihockey@gmail.com or message through Hurunui Hockey Club Facebook page, or ring Lou on 0278643968.
Photo: From left to right;
Development Committee member Jo McKenzie, HDC Mayor Marie Black, Club president Lou Mones-Cazon, Amuri Area School principal James Griggs, and Development Committee member Blaise Davison. Anna Armstrong was the other member of the Development Committee who couldn’t attend the dinner.