On behalf of the Brisbane Hockey Association (BHA), I extend a very warm welcome to everyone involved with the 2008 Queensland Men’s Premier League and State Open Hockey Championships at the State Hockey Centre in Brisbane.  

This is the second year of the new format with both the Men’s Premier League and State Open Championships being conducted together.  This year will also see ten teams competing in the State Open.  Best wishes for an enjoyable and rewarding championship.

In extending this message of welcome, there are many people deserving of our combined recognition (and appreciation) and I ask that you please take a moment to reflect on the following achievements:

• First and foremost, congratulations to all Players who have been selected to represent their Centre at these Championships.  The hard work and long hours of training have paid off and now you have an opportunity to test yourselves at the highest levels of competition within Queensland Hockey.  I trust that you’re able to play at your best and develop your hockey.  But most of all, have fun and enjoy yourselves.
• To the Parents, families and friends of the players – your support and efforts that often include many long hours spent driving your sons to and from training and matches are appreciated.
• Without the Coaches, Managers and Support Staff, no teams would be competitive – so to all of you, thanks for the time and effort that you’ve put into preparing your teams for these Championships.  I’m sure you’ll have many special moments over the week as you see your players learn and develop.
• Welcome to the many Officials and Volunteers from ALL Associations throughout Queensland.  The countless hours that you put into advancing hockey in your area are what help to make the game available and fun for everyone.  Well done on your contributions to getting the teams to these Championships.
• Thank you to the Tournament Officials, Umpires and Technical Officials – we trust that your time at the Championships is rewarding and enjoyable.
• Our thanks are due to the staff from Hockey Queensland for the preparation and on-going maintenance of the State Hockey Centre facilities at which these Championships are being hosted.
• Finally to the BHA organising committee and the many volunteers – especially Bruce and Veronica Luck, Phyllis Hawgood, Kim Rendell, Paul Clarke and Paul Saunders – thank you for your hard work in the lead-up to these Championships and over the coming days.   Also a special thanks goes to the Brisbane Hockey club volunteers who will operate the BBQ and drinks outlets.

These championships are also a good opportunity to renew old friendships and catch up with acquaintances from previous Queensland and District Championships.  For others, this will be a whole new experience.  Regardless of your background, please take the time to share experiences and ideas with people from other Centres as part of helping each other out to help the advancement of our sport.   
 
I trust that your time here in Brisbane is very enjoyable and that you can look back on these Championships with many fond memories – both on and off the field.

With best regards,

Greg Swann
President,
Brisbane Hockey Association Inc.