School hockey stars compete for state honours

More than 260 school hockey stars from across the State will compete in the Queensland School Sport Hockey Championships in Cairns starting tomorrow (Saturday 19 July).

Education and Training Minister Rod Welford said the Boys’ and Girls’ 12-Years-and-Under State championships would run until next Tuesday.

“The players have been selected for their hard work, talent and skill,’’ Mr Welford said.

“I’d like to congratulate them and wish them every success, particularly in 2008 – the Year of Physical Activity.

“The championships are a great opportunity for these young athletes to compete at a high level while meeting and sharing experiences with their peers from across the State.”

Ten sporting regions will be represented—Metropolitan West, Metropolitan North, Metropolitan East, Wide Bay, Capricornia, Darling Downs, Northern, Peninsula, South Coast and Sunshine Coast.

This year sees the combined Boys and Girls Championship celebrate its 25^th Anniversary and it also coincides with the Australian Men’s Hockey Team, the Kookaburras, playing Korea in Cairns as an Olympic Games warm-up match.

During the championships the teams will play each other once in a round-robin format. The teams with the most points after the round robin will be crowned the State Champions.

Mr Welford thanked the dedicated teachers and school staff who will work hard to make the championships a success.

Following the championships, two Queensland teams—Boys 12-Years-and-Under and Girls 12-Years-and-Under—will be selected to participate in the Pacific School Games to be held in Canberra from 29 November to 7 December.

Media contact: Marnie Stitz or Emma Clarey on 3237 1000