Published Thursday, 21 February, 2008 at 06:08 PM

Minister for Police, Corrective Services and Sport
The Honourable Judy Spence
Spence unveils Queensland Hockey Honour Board
Queensland hockey stars from the past half century, have been recognised on the inaugural Distinguished Players Honour Board, unveiled at the State Hockey Centre tonight.
Sport Minister, Judy Spence, together with the Queensland Governor, Ms Quentin Bryce, presented key rings to the honour board recipients prior to the Hockeyroo’s pre-Olympic test match against Great Britain.
“This board is about recognising those people who have made outstanding contributions to the sport of hockey in Queensland, at all levels,” Ms Spence said.
“Many of the names on this board are a part of hockey history in this state, with those honoured having represented Australia at Olympic Games dating back to 1949.
“Some now play important roles in the ongoing success of the sport in Queensland, as coaches and administrators for our representative squads.
“Much of the success of hockey in this state can be attributed to the talent and dedication of these individuals, and this honour board is our chance to acknowledge their efforts and incredible achievements.”
Ms Spence said the future of hockey in Queensland is looking bright, with many of the state’s hockey stars expected to represent Australia at the Beijing Olympics.
“We now have 17,000 registered hockey players in Queensland, and 122 clubs supported by Hockey Queensland,” Ms Spence said.
“At the elite level, we have 28 men, 25 women and 21 regional athletes enrolled in the hockey program at the Queensland Academy of Sport – and 16 of our male and female players hold places on the current Australian Kookaburras and Hockeyroos squads.
“Both teams have qualified for the Olympic Games in August, and I am hopeful many of our players will be selected in the final squads.”
“The Queensland Government is a proud supporter of hockey, providing more than $306,876 for grass-roots hockey organisations in 2007. Additionally, more than $5.05 Million has been provided for facilities and programs, which hockey participants will benefit from. $825,000 in funding direct to Hockey Queensland was also announced in January this year.
“As a Government committed to building healthy communities, and cementing our state’s reputation as a home of elite sport, we will continue to support the sport of Hockey in Queensland, and look forward to the success of our athletes at this year’s Beijing Olympics.”
Media Contact: Minister’s Office – 3239 6172
Sport Minister, Judy Spence, together with the Queensland Governor, Ms Quentin Bryce, presented key rings to the honour board recipients prior to the Hockeyroo’s pre-Olympic test match against Great Britain.
“This board is about recognising those people who have made outstanding contributions to the sport of hockey in Queensland, at all levels,” Ms Spence said.
“Many of the names on this board are a part of hockey history in this state, with those honoured having represented Australia at Olympic Games dating back to 1949.
“Some now play important roles in the ongoing success of the sport in Queensland, as coaches and administrators for our representative squads.
“Much of the success of hockey in this state can be attributed to the talent and dedication of these individuals, and this honour board is our chance to acknowledge their efforts and incredible achievements.”
Ms Spence said the future of hockey in Queensland is looking bright, with many of the state’s hockey stars expected to represent Australia at the Beijing Olympics.
“We now have 17,000 registered hockey players in Queensland, and 122 clubs supported by Hockey Queensland,” Ms Spence said.
“At the elite level, we have 28 men, 25 women and 21 regional athletes enrolled in the hockey program at the Queensland Academy of Sport – and 16 of our male and female players hold places on the current Australian Kookaburras and Hockeyroos squads.
“Both teams have qualified for the Olympic Games in August, and I am hopeful many of our players will be selected in the final squads.”
“The Queensland Government is a proud supporter of hockey, providing more than $306,876 for grass-roots hockey organisations in 2007. Additionally, more than $5.05 Million has been provided for facilities and programs, which hockey participants will benefit from. $825,000 in funding direct to Hockey Queensland was also announced in January this year.
“As a Government committed to building healthy communities, and cementing our state’s reputation as a home of elite sport, we will continue to support the sport of Hockey in Queensland, and look forward to the success of our athletes at this year’s Beijing Olympics.”
Media Contact: Minister’s Office – 3239 6172