Great moments are born from great opportunity

The Belgotex Sport Fairmont Easter Tournament kicked off with a bang, with South African Olympian Ryan Julius presiding over a celebration of the essence of hockey. The pandemic-induced hiatus has only heightened our appreciation for such moments, and the winner of the skill challenge was ecstatic to receive a signed Olympic shirt from Julius. With pleasantries out of the way, the tournament began in earnest, presenting a unique opportunity for greatness that teams are vying to seize.

With pleasantries completed, the attention turned from off the field to on the field as the biggest co-ed tournament commenced its excellence. Herb Brooks, the USA ice hockey coach at the 1980 Olympics, said to his team ahead of the “miracle on ice” that “great moments are born from great opportunity.” The opportunity for greatness was presented by the Belgotex Sport Fairmont Easter Tournament unlike any other.

Possibly spurred on by words similar to those of Brooks, Durbanville High School produced as tunning defeat of the defending champions Paarl Gim sending shockwaves through the tournament. With a 100% record from day one (2 wins from 2) they are joined in the perfect column of the boys tournament by Fairmont High School, WorcesterGym, Stellenberg, Woodridge, Cambridge and Paarl Boys. The battle to turn the great opportunity into a great moment continues to intensify.

In the girls tournament, St Cyprians began their title defence looking resolute in exactly that. They scored 8 unanswered goals in their two games making a statement that fits squarely in the category of ominous. Kingswood, York, Woodridge, Somerset College and Rustenburg Girls all made their mark in a quest for victory coming out of their opening day with a double winning start. Pool B of the girls tournament has already secured their top two with Hudson Park and DF Malan perfect in their opening two fixtures. Their match against each other on Thursday morning will undoubtedly be a highlight for those in attendance.

As always, the Belgotex Sport Fairmont Easter Tournament defies expectations and sets the bar higher each year. There is no doubt that the competition will continue to intensify as teams strive to turn this great opportunity into a truly great moment.