The 2016-17 season official came to an end with our 2nd annual end of season celebration, the London Wayfarers Olympic Day 2017, at Lee Valley, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.
On Saturday 6 May 250 London Wayfarers juniors, their parents and even grandparents celebrated what was an amazing season for our juniors.
Family Fun Day
The London Wayfarers Olympic Day 2017 proceedings kicked with our Family Fun Day in the morning. All teams had to complete 10 exercises, including ball & spoon, zig-a-zag-aaah, roller ball and swamp ball to score points. It was very competitive, especially amongst some of the parents but a lot of fun. The top three teams were: Fab 4 (Gold/1083 points), Goldenballs (Silver/1071 points), No name (Bronze/1006 points). All other teams all scored over 500 points but couldn’t quite make the podium…better luck next year!
London Wayfarers Champions Festivals
In the afternoon all junior players took to the pitch in mixed U8s, U10s and U12s festivals. There was some high quality hockey on show in all games. It reflected on a season of further strong improvement across the Junior section, from both outfield players and the London Wayfarers Goalkeepers Academy which has gone from strength to strength this season.
On the Stadium Pitch, the 2018 Women’s World Cup will also be played here, coaches Peter & Sam and their teams tied for gold medal position in the U10 LWOD17 Champions Trophy. Coach Finn and his team were victorious in the equally competitive U12 Champions Trophy. All games were well marshalled by umpires Darley, Guilder & Bentley.
The last hockey was saved for U14s group to show their ability. The boys in this group won their league this season and many will be part of a new and exciting BU16 team next season. Pace and intensity were both high and soon there was a crowd of excited slightly older-than-14s standing on the side of the pitch eager to get a slice of the action…the dads. Two further, and even more competitive and very entertaining, periods of “Dads n Lads” hockey followed. Amazingly dads Chippy, Lawts, Thirls, Dakes, JB and others didn’t pull any muscles or break anything!
Hannah MacLeod – Rio 2016 Gold Medalist
Meanwhile, our LWOD2017 guest of honour & GB Olympic gold medalist, the inspirational Hannah Macleod had joined us. Hannah kindly ran a Q&A with our U10s and U12s groups. Parents and players were lucky to hear from someone who has won 13 medals at major hockey tournaments including Olympic bronze (London 2012) and gold (Rio 2016), is a scientist and has a PHD, who is currently training for the Clipper Race. Hannah was also part of the presentation party in the final act of the day; the London Wayfarers Junior Club Awards. We even awarded Hannah with a special London Wayfarers Olympic Day 2017 medal which will hopefully find a good home in her collection.
Thank you to all those who were involved in organising and helped on the day with a special mention to Jonathan & Penny Stubbs.
What an amazing day!