The Bermuda Hockey Federation has purchased a wide range of new equipment through the Bermuda Olympic Association's partnership programme with the Pan American sports Organisation that makes new equipment available to qualifying national sports federations.

The equipment will support BHF training and development programmes and participation in overseas competitions. The equipment includes low and high speed hurdles and agility ladders for fitness training, training balls, cones for training, junior field hockey sticks, safety goggles and masks and professional, wireless microphones to allow pitch umpires to communicate with bench staff.

“We would like to thank the BOA for its continued support,” Keith De Silva, BHF president, said. “With the help of the BOA, we were able to, for the upcoming season, purchase some much needed equipment to enhance our games and training sessions, and replace ageing equipment.

“The new sticks we were able to purchase will especially assist us with our Saturday junior development programme, which introduces the sport of hockey to students who may not have played before.

“It is only with this type of support that we can continue to raise the profile and encourage participation in the sport of hockey in Bermuda.”

Judy Simons, BOA president, said: “The BOA is focused on helping our young athletes from all sports along on their journeys to success. As a former hockey player, I know how important having the right equipment can be to training well, performing well and representing well in international competitions.

“I am so pleased that we were able to assist the BHF and their athletes with this funding.”