After days of rain, the skies cleared and the sun shone on the opening of the 15th Golden Oldies World Hockey Festival in the charming city of Edinburgh.
Teams from Argentina, Australia, Bermuda, Canada, England, Fiji, Germany, Netherland, New Zealand, Hong Kong, Ireland, USA, Scotland, and South Africa arrived in Edinburgh ready to make new friends and rekindle friendships they had made two years ago.
The 800 participants from 14 nations gathered in Inverleith Park for the Opening Ceremony including some marvellous local cultural dancing and music.
See some Opening Ceremony and Parade photos
Edinburgh’s Lord Provost, the Right Honourable George Grubb welcomed everyone to this internationally renowned festival city.
The Minister for Commonwealth and Sports, Shona Robison also welcomed the Golden Oldies fraternity “I am so impressed that you can retain a lifelong interest in hockey and sport in general through this Golden Oldies movement.”
The Festival was officially opened by Chris Myers, General Manager UK/Europe for Air New Zealand, the company that has supported the Golden Oldies Festivals since their inception 32 years ago.
The Participants then marched the short journey to the official Welcome Party at the magnificent Fettes College one of Edinburgh’s most iconic building and uniquely situated in 90 acres of private grounds close to the heart of the city.
Games were held at Peffermill where there were 9 grass fields and 2 Astro turfs. All games were held in the one location and Scottish Hockey did a wonderful job in keeping the grounds in first class condition.
The Local Organising Committee put on some great entertainment in the marquee, including Strut your Stuff.
See photos of the Games and Strut your Stuff
The Mid-Week Picnic saw coaches transport teams out to Pebbles to spend the day at Traquair House. Participants thrilled to demonstrations of the ancient arts of jousting, falconry and archery at the medieval-themed mid-week picnic.
Click here to see photos of mid-week picnic
The week rounded off with the traditional ‘Grand Finale Dinner and Air New Zealand Awards Ceremony’ at Edinburgh’s Corn Exchange.
Dancing to covers band ‘The Directors’ and entertainment from a tribute ‘Rod Stewart’ artist got the evening rocking and completed a most memorable week.
See photos of the Grand Finale Dinner.
The recipients of the 2011 Festival Awards were as follows:
Best team uniform: Hadrosauri
Friendship: Bill Stephens
Best supports: Leipziger Lowinnen
Special merit: Wendy Stewart
Spirit of the Festival: Helen Roche
Personality of the Festival: Team Bath Buccaneers
