Hockey Australia and Fortescue have announced an extension to their partnership, with the iron producer sponsoring the sporting organisation and flagship national teams until mid-2023.
The new deal will see the continuation and revamp of the Fortescue Pilbara Community Hockey Program, with ten Pilbara Community Hockey Clinics being established over the next two years to provide students with the opportunity to engage in hockey and develop life skills.
Commenting on the extension, Hockey Australia CEO, David Pryles, said: “Fortescue’s support over the past decade has seen the Kookaburras and Hockeyroos continually feature among the best hockey teams in the world and be regarded as two of Australia’s most successful and highly ranked national teams.”
“Commencing as part of a common goal to generate tangible benefits for Australian communities, our partnership has also enabled us to grow the Pilbara Community Hockey Program from one primary school in Roebourne to ten across the entire region.
“We are incredibly pleased to continue our relationship with Fortescue for another two years and thank them for the integral contribution they make to hockey in Australia,” he said.
Fortescue chief executive officer, Elizabeth Gaines, added: “The Fortescue Pilbara Community Hockey Program plays an important role in ensuring the communities in which we operate benefit from our success, improving social and educational outcomes for students living in these remote regions.”
“Not only is hockey one of Australia’s most successful sports, it is also one of the most gender equal sports globally.
“In line with our commitment to diversity, Fortescue is proud that our sponsorship continues to contribute to pay parity for male and female athletes in Australia’s national teams,” she said.
The announcement comes after Hockey Australia CEO, David Pryles, discussed the organisation’s new streaming platform, LIVEHockey, with Ministry of Sport.
