Hockey will be part of the Pan American Games sport program and its competitions will be held at the remodeled stadium of the Villa María del Triunfo Sports Center. Therefore, as part of the “Soy Lima 2019” campaign, the students of the Institución Educativa 7054 Villa María del Triunfo school were able to learn more about this sport.
Besides, the primary and secondary school students enjoyed the Lima 2019 socio-cultural show that promotes the Olympic and Paralympic values.
Julieta Mouriño, hockey coach with more than 18 years of experience, shared some secrets of this sport with the school students.
“At schools boys usually play football and girls, volleyball, so it’s always nice to introduce them to new sports,” said Julieta.
During the event, girls took the lead by participating more than boys. “The girls really liked hockey. I told them this is a team sport. The objective of this game is to score a goal. I explained the boys that they must hold the stick well because, otherwise, a penalty is called,” she added.
After the match and taking pictures with Milco, the mascot of the Pan American and Parapan American Games, the students asked several questions about the sport and even asked for academies to practice hockey.
“I loved skipping the obstacles,” said Valentino Vargas. Besides, Josué Aponte said “I’ll ask my dad to take me to the Lima 2019 hockey competitions because I really liked it.”
The location of the Hockey Stadium will promote the growth of this sport in the district. “If they take advantage of these new facilities, we’ll have a new hockey team in this district soon and perhaps new talents for future national teams,” said Julieta.
Hockey competitions, both in men’s and women’s, will take place from July 29 to August 10 at the Villa María Sports Center. Argentina and Canada are the favorites to win the gold in men’s, while the USA and Argentina are strong contenders in women’s.