Flood of support for Bundaberg Hockey's 80th season
LIKE a phoenix rising from the ashes, Bundaberg Hockey is recovering from the devastation of the flood to assure all the players that the 80th anniversary of the sport will go ahead at Hinkler Park.
Along with large parts of North Bundaberg the facilities at Hinkler Park are unrecognisable, but despite the losses the 2013 season will start after Easter.
Along with the countless volunteers who cleaned the club room and fields, Bundaberg Hockey president David Lassig said thanks had to go to other organisations for the quick return.
"Hockey Australia and Queensland have been great to us since the flood. And other associations had also given us a hand," Lassig said.
"So many people helped us get ready for this season."
Various hockey bodies across the country have been holding fundraisers to donate cash along with equipment to replace what was lost.
One of the best gifts came from Maryborough.
With games scheduled on grass for this year the representative players will miss out on playing on synthetic turf. And they would be behind the game if they missed the practice on the faster, more predictable surface.
In an outstanding gesture of sportsmanship the Maryborough Hockey Association will give up their turf once a month for Bundaberg players to keep up their skills.
Lassig paid tribute to the usually tough opponents and he promised the sport woul d not be held back.
"Maryborough's been great letting us use their turf - it's going to be good for our rep players," Lassig said.
"We are not back just yet. But we will get there."
Bundaberg Hockey is holding a sign-on March 9 at Hinkler Park from 10am-2pm.
