PLETTENBERG BAY NEWS - About 1 100 players took part in the FNB Plett Primary Hockey Festival on Saturday 16 August with an estimated 3 000 people attending.

"Once again the festival cemented itself as a highlight on the regional school sports calendar," said Ursula Kapp, Plett Primary hockey convenor.

A total of 253 games were played across various age groups, from U7 to U13, showcasing not only growing talent but also the fun, fast pace of junior hockey, said Kapp.

Festive

The standout aspect of this event was the seamless collaboration between more than 60 Plett primary school staff members, 15 parents and members of the school governing body and 117 registered visiting coaches and officials.

"Off the field, the atmos-phere was festive and full of community spirit. Four food stalls, a tuck shop, and two coffee trailers kept energy levels high, while a staggering 2 000 pancakes were served to hungry players and supporters - proving that hockey and good food are the perfect pairing," said Kapp.

There were 132 committed coaches supporting the young athletes from 10 Eden District primary schools - from George, Knysna, Mossel Bay and Plettenberg Bay, and a community development team from Kwanokuthula - participating.

Impeccable display

Some of the games renewed on-field rivalries between the opposing schools with a healthy dose of competitive festival hockey, according to Sipho Kunene, Plett Primary' sports co-ordinator.

Sedgefield U13 girls were the pick of their division, boasting three Eden U13 players who had taken part in the national hockey tournament during the June/July holidays.

In the senior boys division, it was the Glenwood House boys U13 who reigned supreme on the day with an impeccable display of passing, stopping, high-pressing and goal-scoring," said Kunene.

According to Klein Karoo Event Medics, no major injuries were reported on the day.

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