The Kookaburras will take their first major step towards the 2012 London Olympics when they compete in the ABN AMRO Hockey Champions Trophy in Melbourne next month.
Sports Minister James Merlino said Melbourne’s State Hockey Centre will host the world’s best when the top six competing countries converge on the city for what is the premier event on the 2009 international hockey calendar from 28 November to 6 December.
Mr Merlino today joined Kookaburras coach Ric Charlesworth and Olympic champion Brent Livermore for a hit besides the iconic Yarra River to promote the event.
“Victorians love their sport and this year’s ABN AMRO Hockey Champions Trophy promises to be another world-class addition to our renowned sporting calendar,” Mr Merlino said.
”The Brumby Labor Government is proud to support major sporting events that place Melbourne in the national and international spotlight, boost tourism and promote investment.”
Mr Merlino said the nine-day tournament would see the top six internationally ranked men’s hockey teams battle it out for the prestigious Trophy and world ranking points. Teams competing include Germany, Spain, England, Korea, the Netherlands and Australia.
“We’re expecting more than 25,000 hockey fans from Europe, Asia and Australia to come out in force for this showdown of the world’s best men’s hockey teams,” he said.
“Tickets for the event are selling fast, with more than 12,500 passes already snapped up – more than half of tickets sold are to both interstate and international fans.”
In what will be a stepping stone for the 2012 London Olympics, the Champions Trophy will also be the Kookaburras first major international tournament with Dr Ric Charlesworth as coach.
“For many teams it will be the first time they have met since Beijing, and as the Kookaburras are current defending champions having won in 2008, we will have even more motivation,” Dr Charlesworth said.
“As the most prestigious tournament on the 2009 hockey calendar, the fans are sure to see elite hockey in its greatest form, with all teams desperate to get their hands on the trophy.
Hockey Australia Chief Executive, Mark Anderson, said hosting the ABN AMRO Champions Trophy in Melbourne presented an exciting opportunity to grow the sport.
“As an organisation we need to build major events and host quality international tournaments to build the profile and presence of our sport within Australia,” he said.
“This promises to be the biggest hockey event Australia has ever hosted outside of the Olympic and Commonwealth Games and I’m excited about what this event can do for hockey.
“Fans are supporting the concept and based on excellent ticket pre-sales we are expecting to sell out the tournament and create a superb atmosphere at the venue.”
Source: Hockey Australia / Victoria
