As everyone knows, one of the central themes driving the London 2012 Olympics was the legacy that the “Greatest Show on Earth” would leave behind once the Games came to an end. Well, Hockey is certainly feeling the benefits of that legacy.
Last weekend, the memorable blue and pink hockey pitch from the London Games was officially unveiled for a second time following its re-laying at Sheffield Hallam Hockey Club in the north of England. The pitch was officially opened to tie in with England Hockey’s National Clubs Weekend, which was sponsored by the Harvester restaurant chain.
"We couldn't ask for a better example of the Olympic legacy in action”, said Dan Porter, Head of Sports Services at Sheffield Hallam University. “Our students will benefit greatly from the Olympic hockey pitch. It is obviously a world-class facility, and I'm sure they will feel inspired when they play and compete for the University on the iconic blue turf."
Much of the work to re-lay the pitch was done during May and June and although the first match on the new surface was played in June, the 8th September marked its official opening for use at Abbeydale Sports Club in Sheffield, in partnership with Sheffield Hallam University.
LOCOG chairman Seb Coe said: "This is an example of the legacy of London 2012”, said Seb Coe, chairman of the London Organising Committee for the Olympic Games (LOCOG). “The pitch will be used by both the local community and elite hockey players as well as for the School Games. It will also give the club a piece of Olympic history."
The pitch will host the Sainsbury's 2013 School Games in September, the first major event to be held on the new pitch. Most of the old pitch in Sheffield has been recycled into hanging baskets, with large sections being used to create pitches in Bulgaria and Ireland.
More images of the pitch opening can be found on England Hockey’s facebook page by clicking here.
Source material: England Hockey
