Another blow comes to Lithgow's sporting community as the under 15 girls state championships, which were set to be held in June at Lithgow Hockey Association, have been cancelled.
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The club was notified by Hockey NSW on Tuesday, March 24 of the cancellation and club president Denise Weekes said it would be a huge blow to the community as they could have expected somewhere in the vicinity of 1200 to 1500 visitors to Lithgow.
"The association was looking forward to hosting the Under 15 Girls State Championships in June 2020. It is a very large championships with numerous talented players participating from all over the state," she said.
Lithgow's under 15 girls team, consisting of up to 16 players and a coach and manager all would have taken part in the event.
"The age group brings with them parents, siblings and on many occasions grandparents as well as players, and the hospitality and retail areas of Lithgow and surrounding areas would have benefited greatly from this influx of people," Weekes said.
Ms Weekes said it was also Lithgow Hockey's chance to give back to the many businesses in the town who support them all year.
"It is also a venue to showcase our home grown talent and up and coming young players from all over the Central West," she said.
At this stage the association is unsure about whether they will be holding the championships next year, but Weekes said they will 'certainly' be having discussions with Hockey NSW regarding this issue further down the track.
Under the guidance of Hockey Australia and Hockey NSW, Lithgow Hockey's competition has been postponed until May, 2.
"We will most definitely not be cancelling the season, unless we are advised to by either the Prime Minister or the NSW Premier, Hockey Australia or Hockey NSW," she said.
"We are taking things a day at a time like everyone else. The board will be discussing the issues necessary to have things ready to go when we get the okay."
Ms Weekes said that Lithgow Hockey Association would be doing all in its power to hold some sort of hockey for all the members as soon as they get the go ahead.
"This could be a shortened competition, some family fun days, come and try days, anything to get our members back on the turf with ball and stick in hand," she said.
"Our hearts go out to those member who had been selected to represent our country and our state in National and State teams, but are very confident that they will remain focused for next years events."
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Ciara Bastow
Hi! I'm Ciara and I've been working as a journalist for a number of years now, covering everything ranging from council, human interest stories, community news and sport. Got a story? Email me at ciara.bastow@austcommunitymedia.com.au
Hi! I'm Ciara and I've been working as a journalist for a number of years now, covering everything ranging from council, human interest stories, community news and sport. Got a story? Email me at ciara.bastow@austcommunitymedia.com.au
