There’s nothing like the feeling of hard work and dedication to a project that is close to your heart, finally paying off. For the UNSW Hockey Club’s ‘Whalies’, this has been the re-development of their hockey grounds at UNSW’s David Phillips Sport Complex.
David Phillips has officially re-opened it’s Hockey field for use. After many years in the making, the facility has now been completed revamped with new playing turf, lighting to accommodate games and training at night as well as water fountains fitted all throughout the complex.
With the support of UNSW, the Sydney East Hockey Association and the NSW Government’s Office of Sport, the upgrade will now benefit not only athletes from UNSW but also all players of the Whalies.
The re-opening was a day filled with celebrations. While our Whalies were out testing the new turf for their games, many notable figures attended the opening ceremony for the new facility.
The list of esteemed guests included:
Karen Jones: Chief Executive for the NSW Office of Sport
Dylan Martin: Kookaburra, Silver Olympic Medallist and UNSW Alumni
The Honourable Matt Thistlewaite: Member for Kingsford Smith
Kathy Calerkinos: Sydney East Hockey Association President
Peter Hayes: CEO of Sydney Hockey
After the formalities of the opening ceremony had finished, our UNSW PL1 Whalies put on a show and had a massive 10 - 0 win.
A big thankyou goes out to everyone that has assisted to make this project finally a reality. We cannot wait to see all of our athletes out on the new turf, furthering their hockey development and career.
By Henley Warner