HOCKEY has long been part of life in Levuka, passed from one generation to the next, and this week the island’s connection with the sport has returned to the spotlight at the 30th Anniversary Marist Eastgate Memorial Tournament.
After reviving its women’s and men’s teams five years ago, Levuka brought both sides to Suva.
There were 20 women and 20 men making the trip to represent the island.
For team manager Sarah Tafoou, the tournament is about more than just results.
“We are so thankful that we are here to represent our island and the people of Levuka,” Tafoou said.
The squad was identified through last month’s Fiji Secondary Schools Hockey tournament in Lautoka, where the St. John’s College won the girls category and the boys reached the quarterfinals.
The Levuka committee used the tournament to scout players before spreading the word around town, attracting students and adults to training.
Among the travelling squad are 16 students from Levuka Public School and St John’s College.
Getting the teams to Suva was another challenge.
The players travelled by boat and are camping at John Wesley Primary School, while fundraising through social media, activities outside PAFCO and donations from supporters helped cover the costs of the trip.
On the field, the women opened their campaign with a 0-0 draw against Stingers on Friday.
The men were still searching for their first pool win after a 1-0 loss to Enzed yesterday.
Their remaining pool matches were played at the Fiji National Hockey Centre last night, with the tournament concluding today.
Tafoou said the team’s presence was also about continuing Levuka’s strong hockey tradition.
“Hockey is a generational sport,” she said.
The team’s wider goal is to develop young players and create a pathway towards higher honours.
“We are trying our best to develop our students,” Tafoou said.
“That’s why we are roping in our students so we may be able to push them up towards a national team and maybe travel overseas.”
