International Hockey Federation : Seychelles

When:
Saturday 31 May 2008 (stage 1 for region1). Hence one other similar activity will be organized for region 2. (Please note that turn out has been affected for other national activities were being organized to commemorate international ‘Children’s Day’).

Where:
Indoor (concrete surface) in a large warehouse in a rather isolated area over the weekends.

Target group:
School children primary and secondary in the age range of 8 to 14 years old.

Number of participants:
54

Program:
Timed Drill competition for the small ones and five –a-side improvised in-door competition for the older ones. The focus of the timed drill competition was on enjoyment so that the kids develop a love for hockey (for example carton boxes were used as the shooting targets). The whole program started at 9:00 a.m and ended at 12:45 p.m.

Aim of the event:

The purpose of the event was to enable the more advanced participants to display their skills in a competitive manner.
The drill competition was to enable novice to learn and display basic skills as a means of enticing them to take up hockey as their number one sport.
To popularize hockey locally.
To enable the youngsters to socialize with colleagues from other schools as well as the trainers.

Outcomes of the event:

More advanced participants have participated safely in 5-a-side in-door match competition.
Novice prospective hockey players (school children) have joyfully and safely participated in a drill competition.
Youngsters and trainers develop better friendship.
Youth hockey receives publicity through media coverage.

Follow up:

Stage 2: repeat of the same program on 21st June to involve other school children.
Stage 3: Organize a national league for the U -14 as from end of June to October 2008.
Stage 4: Organize an international competition for the youth U -16 involving regional islands Reunion, Mauritius and Seychelles.

Organized by:
Seychelles Hockey Federation