Hundreds here for Hockey

HUGE BOOST FOR OUR REGION… From left (back), Greater Shepparton City Council Deputy Mayor, Cr Shelley Sutton and Goulburn Valley Hockey Association president, Cameron Druitt. (Front), Hockey players, Jed Schofield, Millie Leard and Dean Robertson. Photo: Sharelle Jarvis.
HUGE BOOST FOR OUR REGION… From left (back), Greater Shepparton City Council Deputy Mayor, Cr Shelley Sutton and Goulburn Valley Hockey Association president, Cameron Druitt. (Front), Hockey players, Jed Schofield, Millie Leard and Dean Robertson. Photo: Sharelle Jarvis.

Hundreds of hockey players from across the country have arrived in Shepparton to take part in the 2019 Hockey Australia National Country Championships.

It’s the first time in two decades that Shepparton has held the hockey championships, which has seen twelve teams across both genders descend upon the region, along with volunteers, fans and supporters.

Greater Shepparton Council Mayor, Cr Kim O’Keeffe said it was wonderful for Greater Shepparton to be able to host another fantastic national event in our region.

“It’s a great accomplishment to host such a prestigious event with the recent redevelopment of the new $21 million Shepparton Sports City precinct enabling us to host amazing events such as these to bring so many people from around Australia to play hockey in Greater Shepparton,” Cr O’Keeffe said.

“These events strengthen our reputation as the leading sporting and events capital of regional Australia and will keep our local visitor economy strong and businesses thriving with visitors here for eight days. This creates a major boost for our accommodation, hospitality, entertainment, dining, retail and tourism attraction sectors.”

Hockey Australia CEO, Matt Favier said the event was a great celebration for hockey in Australia.

“The game has significant regional roots and Shepparton is a great example of that, with champions such as 1996 Atlanta Olympics gold medal Hockeyroos player, Louise Dobson, calling Shepparton her home,” Mr Favier said.

“We cannot thank our partner, Greater Shepparton City Council, enough for making the year’s event, along with the Goulburn Valley Hockey Association for their support.”