Pan American Indoor Hockey Championships 2017, Guyana…
The Pan American hockey family has gathered in Guyana for the second biggest indoor hockey event worldwide slated to run off in the upcoming week. At a media interaction on Saturday at the Sleep Inn International Hotel, representatives of the various countries involved all shared the same sentiment; they are all rearing and excited to compete.
The Guyana Hockey Board (GHB) also came in for high praises with Pan American Hockey Federation (PAHF) Event & Development Co-ordinator Laura Macchiotti noting that the venue and playing surface are “very good”. She also thanked GHB President Philip Fernandes for hosting the tournament as she pointed out that “it is important for different countries to host the Pan-Ams” as PAHF seeks to spread hockey and ensure development throughout the region.
Meanwhile, sport stalwart Joseph “Reds” Perreira speaking at the press conference said that he was “pleased as punch” at Guyana hosting the tournament while maintaining that it is a big step in the development of the sport in Guyana.
Joseph “Reds” Perreira (right), GHB President Philip Fernandes (2nd from right) and PAHF Event co-ordinator Laura Macchiotti at the press conference
Head coach of the Uruguayan team, Nicolas Tixe explained that he has first-hand experience in hosting the tournament and congratulated the GHB as he noted that it is not easy for a small country to host the Pan American tournament.
GHB head Philip Fernandes in his address thanked all the participating teams for making the sacrifice to be here, he also stated the variety of world class teams that will be competing is important as the experience will benefit the Guyanese women’s national team especially as they are making their Pan American debut. In respect to the men’s national team, Fernandes said that he is looking forward to seeing them in action as they did well at the last Pan Am tournament in Uruguay, 2014 when they finished as bronze medalists.
On behalf of the officials (umpires, scorers), Wendy Stuart, Juan Manuel and Dean Wentwick all expressed admiration of the conditions of the venue while declaring that they are here to serve the game and will be looking forward to an exciting tournament.
This year the women’s tournament will be the largest in history with seven countries participating. Those countries are host nation Guyana, USA, Canada, Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago, Argentina and Uruguay.
In the men’s tournament, Canada, Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados, Guyana, Mexico and Argentina will compete for gold and a lone spot at the 2018 World Cup.
The Canadians are the current men and women’s champions and will be looking to defend their titles.
