Hockey funds plea

Press, 30 August 1985, Page 32

Hockey funds plea

The New Zealand Hockey Association is to appeal to hockey fans for funding towards the New Zealand team’s entry in the Intercontinental Cup in Barcelona in October. The top five from the tournament qualify for the World Cup in London. The association had attempted to attract grants and sponsorship to finance the Barcelona trip, but these efforts were unsuccessful. The total cost of the trip is around $115,000. The committee £t>d considered can--4

celling the New Zealand entry, but decided against the move, as it would have negated the progress in international arenas made since the Los Angeles Olympics. Also considered were the sacrifices made by the individual team members. Such a move would also have effectively removed New Zealand from the international hockey scene for the foreseeable future. The committee has decided to go ahead with the team’s entry, and make'-an emergency appeal to hockey

supporters and the public. The immediate target is $50,000. The over-all cost includes the trip to Barcelona for two people to push for the New Zealand case to hold the 1990 World Cup. The venue of that tournament will be decided there by the International Hockey Federation. The New Zealand team will be spending time in Germany, Holland, England and Spain during September and October, and the association is hopeful that it could assist an organisation in marketing in return for sponsorship.