HOCKEY

Summary of the event. What actually happens?

Hockey is different in the summer Olympics, it’s not like ice hockey but it’s played on a field. There is a maximum of eleven people for each team and there is no contact (hitting). They play with a small ball which is made of rubber and they hit it with there wooden hockey sticks. Hockey played with a ball, it is one of the oldest Olympic sports that is still in play in the Olympics. Ball hockey became more of an organized sport in the early 1900 hundreds and then in 1908 it became an Olympic sport.

What does it feel like to participate?

Hockey in the Olympic Games is played on a field so there is bound to be a lot of running and fighting for the ball. It acquires a lot of team work to move the ball around without it getting stolen from the other team. There are goals and assists just like in ice hockey so there’s no different’s there in points. You need to be fit to play hockey in the Olympic Games because you are running the whole game and you will be tired specially if your not fit.     

What kind of training is involved?

You need physical training like running, practices, and other things for you to keep physically fit. A kid that might want to join in the sport must be really good and fit if you want to make the Olympic team. But if you’re not going to becoming an Olympic athlete in the sport you don’t have to be as fit or good but it does help.   

What equipment do you need?

You need to have a stick, special shoes for the field, helmet, shin pads. For goalie equipment you need pads, chest protector, helmet, foot protectors, and a stick.

When and where is the event being held during the upcoming Olympics in Beijing?

The hockey event of the 29th Olympic Games will be held at the Olympic Green Hockey Field in Beijing from August 10-23, 2008.