BUENOS AIRES 20018: Australia and Vanuatu’s hockey teams didn’t let not being drawn to play each other in competition stop them from meeting each other on the pitch at Buenos Aires 2018.
The teams forged a friendship during qualifying for the Youth Olympics, and organised a mixed international scratch match at Youth Olympic Park to keep their connection going.
Australian Hockey 5’s player Miles Davis enjoyed the opportunity to rekindle some friendships.
“It was great to play a mixed game with the Vanuatu boys and girls today,” he said.
“It was so good to catch up with them again, we became good friends at the qualifying tournament in Papua New Guinea and it’s awesome to keep that connection going.
“It was a fun format, with each team having a mix of boys and girls from both Vanuatu and Australia – we’re able to have a hit and chat with people from other countries that we haven’t seen in ages, it’s a great experience we get from competing here at the Youth Olympics.”
Vanuatu’s Melody Nalin agreed the scratch match was a way to get the most out of the Youth Olympic experience.
“Today was fun to play together with the Australians, and grow and learn from playing together - It’s a good south Pacific connection we have,” Nalin said. “We have grown and grown as the competition went on and it’s even better to finish with this.”
“We’re friends now after meeting at the qualifiers, and it’s rewarding to see them at tournaments to keep the friendship going. Mixing up the teams with boys and girls was really fun, I think maybe we can do it again next time we catch up at the Pacific Games or another tournament.”
Australia’s Maddie Smith was happy to get back on the pitch after a few hockey free days following their 5th place playoff win last Saturday.
“It was so good to get out on the pitch, I haven’t played since competition ended a few days ago, so was good to get one in,” she said.
“Vanuatu’s coach is Australian and we made a connection in Papua New Guinea – we had some training sessions with them and gave them some new sticks – it’s great to catch up again here on the other side of the world.
“Whenever we see each other in the Village or dining hall we call out or wave, it’s nice to have some familiar faces.”
Hockey 5’s Coach Andrew Smith said the experience was good for both teams.
“It’s great for our guys and girls to have some fun and get an experience playing with countries who are a bit younger than us in their hockey development,” he said.
“It provides both teams with motivation and is a great experience for them to take back from these Games.
“It’s really important to grow the level of hockey across the world and passing on skills, knowledge and motivation is a great way to do that.”
olympics.com.au
