The Oceania Hockey Federation has expressed gratitude to the news of Solomon Islands sending it Hockey team to the Pacific Games for the first time.
In an email cited by Star Sports Gill Gemming, Continental Development Officer of the Oceania Hockey Federation expressed the federation’s gratitude and vowed to make a final visit to the team before the Games kick off in July.
“Oceania is so excited that you have a team entered in the Pacific Games.
“I have arranged a goalkeeping set for your goalkeeper for Pacific Games and I will bring the kit with me and run some coaching for your team and goal keeper.
“I am also keen to meet with Solomon Island Hockey Association Executive and the NOCSI, meet with your management for Pacific Games so that I can up skill them on their roles
He added he will provide a workshop on hockey 5 rules including booklets and run some coaching sessions.
A proposed visit has been scheduled for June 5 to June 9.
Last week the SIHA received the green light for a grant of AUD 1500 (SBD$11k) from Oceania Hockey Federation to help with the preparations of the team for the Games.
This comes as a boost to their preparations.
This will be the first Hockey team to represent the country at the Pacific Games after more than 30 years.
Solomon Islands used to have a hockey team in the 1970s which participated in the South Pacific Games in Fiji.
By CARLOS ARUAFU
