We so often refer affectionately to the “hockey family” with its wonderful characteristics that we believe make the game unique.
But whilst we are bound together by a great game, its culture and ethos the hockey family has a rich tapestry of wonderful qualities.
Approximately 9 years ago, Leandro Negre, now President of the FIH, organised an art exhibition to mark the 80th birthday of the FIH. The theme was “Hockey Sticks” and how they could be decorated or used to express a variety of emotions. A wonderful idea which produced some innovative thinking.
Has the time come for the artists, musicians and authors in the hockey family to exhibit their works again?
Should this be done simultaneously with next year’s Congress – the 90th Anniversary of the FIH?
Can these works of art or creative pieces be used to help fund hockey in disadvantaged communities or to help hockey people who have fallen upon hard times?
Does the hockey family have any formal charity structures? Should we have a hockey museum or gallery combined with a “Hall of Fame”?
One thing is for sure hockey people have kind hearts and are always willing to step forward to help.
I’d love to hear your thoughts on these questions!
Perhaps you can let us know of hockey artists, sculptors, authors, poets and musicians and we can start a process including networking so that we can appreciate the incredible talent that abounds!
Steve Jaspan is the Chairman of the FIH High Performance and Coaching Advisory Panel. The South African native contributes a monthly column to the FIH website called Viewpoint.
