EIGHTEEN INTERNATIONAL teams are expected to compete in the 25th anniversary of the Banks International Hockey Festival slated for August 14 to 21.Chairman of the entertainment committee Antonio Forte told WEEKENDSPORT the major sporting event would encompass excellent hockey competition, as well as several social activities among the players, fans, and officials.Forte indicated that the festival would coincide with the 50th anniversary celebrations of the Barbados Hockey Federation. The 50th anniversary was actually in 2008 but nothing to celebrate the milestone was done at that stage.The festival will start with an anniversary dinner and awards ceremony on August 14.“This event will also pay tribute to a number of stalwarts of the hockey family – young and old, male and female, national and non-national – who have all given their time, expertise and services to the development of hockey over the last 50 years of the Barbados Hockey Federation Inc.’s existence,” Forte said.He revealed that throughout the week of activities the aim would be to rebuild the hockey profile and prominence among choice sports in Barbados.Among the awards to be presented to stalwarts of the sport are the Lifetime Achievement, Long Service, Sponsors and Benefactors, Life Members; and President’s.The action will take place on both grass and Astro Turf and starts on August 15 with the opening ceremony, parade of teams and the feature match at Kensington Oval. Semi-final matches will be played at the Wildey Astro Turf on August 20. The finals in all categories will be contested the following day at the same location. (WG)
