Gold Coast association donates to hockey juniors

PAPUA New Guinea-born Brisbane resident Dawn English, 46, shed tears when she learned the Gold Coast Hockey Association was arranging equipment donations for PNG children.
“I grew up playing hockey in PNG, so I know equipment is expensive and hard to get,” English said.
“Children are carving hockey sticks from trees and playing barefoot, which leads to injuries.”
The association put out the call for donations when they learned of the plight of junior players in PNG.
English, who plays for the White Orchids, said the donations would fill a genuine need.
“Hockey is a family sport in PNG, but our clubs are struggling so it’s brilliant to hear of the donations,” she said.
“A lack of equipment is definitely a barrier to playing at hockey tournaments since they require shoes and mouthguards for safety.
“Junior hockey is continuing to grow, so we are grateful for the donations that will help children enjoy their favourite sport safely.”
The White Orchids have been playing at the Pan Pacific Masters Games since 1996.
“The team have been selling doughnuts and ice blocks for two years to save money for their plane tickets,” English said.
“Coming to the Pan Pacs means so much to them because hockey is such a big part of their lives and brings people together.”
The equipment campaign has inspired English to visit PNG again after moving away 10 years ago.
“My nieces play hockey back in PNG, so I would love to visit and see them using new equipment,” she said.
“I left PNG for security reasons, it wasn’t safe over there for me as a single mum.”
Pan Pacific Masters Games hockey convener Kathy Devitt has led the campaign for donations.
“In the hockey community, if one person spreads the word it has a domino effect,” Devitt said.
“We have already seen teams getting behind them by rummaging through their garages for equipment to pass on.”