The participation of newcomers Aixen from Germany will be one of the major drawing cards of the 27th Annual Banks Barbados International Festival which starts tomorrow at the Banks Brewery Playing Field in Wildey at 4:30 p.m.
The Hamburg-based Aixen outfit will provide some added competition in the men’s pool on their maiden trip to?Barbados as the London Summer Olympics and ongoing worldwide recession have contributed to a drastic reduction in overseas teams.
However, many individual foreign players, will still be making the trip despite the absence of their full squad and will be integrated into local teams.
“Because of other commitments a number of their players have decided to make it on their own and enjoy the usual camaraderie by teaming up with their local links,” president of the Barbados Hockey Federation (BHF)?David Rouse told SATURDAY?SPORT.
The competition will be contested among over 40 teams but one noticeable absentee will be Big Apple and Islanders of New York, who have consistently been part of the Festival since its inception.
Rouse said the parade of teams and formal opening with steel pan and tuk band will be followed by the usual touch-off party at 5:30 p.m..
Kensington Oval will once again be the host venue while Police Sports Club and Empire Club will be the support venues.
The social calendar include parties and limes, karaoke, board games, a scenic bus ride and a beach party, culminating with the finals, presentation ceremony and a final whistle party at?Kensington Oval on Saturday, August 25.
FESTIVAL?PROGRAMME
Tomorrow – Parade, Opening Ceremony at Touch Party at Banks Brewery – 4:30 p.m.
Monday, August 20: Competition matches at various venues – 9 a.m.; Barbeque and Pool Party at Oceans 15 Hotel – 7 p.m.
Tuesday, August 21: Competition matches at various venues – 9 a.m.; Karaoke and Board Games at?Kensington Oval – 5 p.m.
Wednesday, August 22: Competition matches at various venues – 9 a.m.; Clubhouse lime at Empire – Party Night at Harbour Lights – 6 p.m.
Thursday, August 23: Scenic Bus Ride – Brandon Beach – 10 a.m./Beach Party at Harbour Lights – 2 p.m.
Friday, August 24: Semi-finals, Plate matches at Kensington Oval – 8:30 a.m.; “Transform” the Party at Kensington Ova – 9 p.m.
Saturday, August 25: Finals, Presentation Ceremony at Kensington Oval – 8:30 a.m.; Final Whistle Party at Kensington Oval – 8 p.m. (EZS)
