Parkes Hockey's second synthetic turf was officially opened on Saturday and named in honour of local hockey celebrity and Olympian Mariah Williams.
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Mariah said when she found out the turf was to be named in her honour she was pretty excited but it wasn’t until she was here for the weekend that it actually hit home.
“I have so much support from so many people in Parkes,” the 22-year-old said.
“I’ve received lots of messages but being here and having everyone here with me really meant a lot.
“It’s very special. Paul Toole said to me, it’s not normally something that happens when you are so young, it’s normally something that happens when you are no longer alive.”
Minister for Racing Paul Toole in collaboration with Cr Ken Keith OAM, Mayor of Parkes Shire and Parkes Hockey Inc Executive Director, Aaron Huppatz cut the ribbon on the major sporting project.
Mr Toole congratulated Parkes Hockey and Parkes Shire Council for having the vision for the great new facility, and all their efforts in bringing it to fruition.
“I’m delighted our Government has been able to contribute $500,000 towards this much-needed second synthetic hockey field for Parkes,” Mr Toole said.
The project was jointly funded by the NSW Government's ClubGrants Program, Parkes Shire Council and Parkes Hockey Inc with a total overall cost of the project totalling over $1.5M.
Cr Ken Keith OAM said Council is proud to have contributed over $700,000 in addition to Parkes Hockey's $280,000 to fund this project.
“We applaud the naming of the Mariah Williams Field in honour of her achievements representing Australia and Parkes on the global stage at the 2016 Rio Olympics,” he said.
“The installation of the second turf provides many positive benefits for the community including quality playing surfaces for Parkes Hockey and international standard surfaces which will and has already attracted major hockey tournaments and events.”
“Council acknowledges Parkes Hockey Inc for their dedication and fundraising efforts, along with the support of the NSW Government, that has enabled this important community project to be completed.”
Parkes Hockey coordinated multiple events included guided tours of the complex, kids activities, autograph and photo sessions with Mariah and exhibition matches with local hockey stars.
Mariah is now looking forward to selection in the NSW Open Teams in September, the Oceania Cup in October, the Commonwealth Games (of which she is an Ambassador) in April and the World Cup in July.
