On September 18th 2013, right before the start of the 2013 Women’s Pan American Cup in Mendoza an inauguration ceremony took place for the Mendocino Hockey Stadium. The Mendocino Hockey Stadium is centrally located right outside the Mendoza city center within the sports complex sponsored by the Mendoza government. Thus, both officials from the Mendoza government and the Argentine Hockey Confederation (CAH) were on hand for the celebratory ribbon-cutting. In just six months, in what was proclaimed at today’s event could not be accomplished, was accomplished.
The Mendocino Hockey Stadium is beautiful and its stands were also warmly inaugurated with many children. Children representing hockey clubs from Mendoza’s 18 counties were all on hand to watch the spectacular inauguration event. Dance competitions for the different sections of the stands were held and the event mascot, a wolf, was presented. Representatives from both the CAH and the Mendoza government spoke, especially reiterating the importance of sport for youth and the life lessons hockey brings.
In addition to the Stadium, the Mendoza government demonstrated its commitment to youth hockey development on a grand scale by awarded packets of sticks, balls, and cones to club teams in attendance. Under the name “Hockey for All” this government-sponsored equipment program is designed to grow the sport and is a model for not just the region, but the world. The event finale was a dance performance by a local Mendoza dance troop. And in conclusion, the event ended in proper fashion: with children playing hockey on the pitch.
Meanwhile, the 2013 Women’s Pan American Cup formally starts Saturday September 21st. Please stay tuned to www.panamhockey.org for live score updates, match reports, photos, videos, and more!
