Canadian Golden Oldies hockey team take on world in Christchurch

16 April 2018

They’re a group of sports enthusiasts who dress up as gazelles, clowns and other outrageous outfits and travel the world playing Golden Oldies hockey.

This week, the Fossil Sharks Canada are joining fellow hockey lovers on the field for some fun-filled games as part of the Christchurch Casino Golden Oldies Sports Celebration.

The Sharks’ manager Beverly Alp says this years’ Festival is the fifth tour for her team, who have come together from all over Canada to participate in the iconic international sporting event.

“We’re a dynamic group and play hard on the field but love our fun too,” Ms Alp says.

“Field hockey is really top of list of my list of fun things to do and I’m always ready for a game,” she says.

However, in true Golden Oldies form, Ms Alp says the team love the less serious and more social side of the game.

“As team manager I insist that we get involved as much as possible. That means fancy dress, Strut your Stuff and as much frivolity as possible.”

The squad are also looking forward to reuniting with old friends and rival team the Kiwi Birds and exploring the city during game days.

“We’re planning a day out of shopping, punting on the Avon and the Tramway Dinner, which will all be amazing,” she says.

Hockey is the fourth sport of the six-sport programme, attracting some 5,000 players and supporters to Christchurch over the month of April for the Christchurch Casino Golden Oldies Sports Celebration.

Linda Falwasser, General Manager of Attraction at city promotions agency ChristchurchNZ says the sports festival is a great opportunity for Christchurch to share our new city with the world and welcome international visitors to our region.

“For many of these players this will be the first time they’ve visited Christchurch so we’re looking forward to showing them a good time in our beautiful city,” Ms Falwasser says.

This years’ Golden Oldies sports festival, organised by Vintage Sport and Leisure with the support of city promotions agency ChristchurchNZ, is the first time in history multiple Golden Oldies tournaments have been held in the same city.

Hockey Week runs from 15 – 21 April and games are held at Christchurch’s Nunweek Park.

ENDS

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