The Health Programme initiated by the Oceania Hockey Federation in Port Moresby approximately two years ago has gained significant traction in Lae, with a remarkable turnout of over 90 participants recorded last weekend. The programme, which commenced in early February with just 30 participants, has steadily grown in interest with each passing weekend, according to Development Officer Martin Pomat Kanamon. Kanamon, who spearheads the initiative, noted that the sessions typically begin with teaching hockey basics and culminate in engaging, fun-filled games. "Hockey is a natural game, so by the second weekend, most children had grasped the fundamentals." Kanamon ‘highlighted the diverse age range of participants, which includes children as young as four years old across various categories such as under 10, under 15, and under 20. The overarching goal of the programme, as outlined by Kanamon, was to establish a competitive Lae Hockey team for the under 21 championships scheduled to take place in Kokopo this November. To achieve this objective, Kanamon emphasized the need to bolster participation rates among children while concurrently launching a junior competition to sustain their interest in the sport. "We aim to foster a thriving hockey community in Lae through this programme." "It serves not only as a means of promoting healthy living but also as a constructive weekend activity for children to socialize." Acknowledging the challenges faced, particularly in terms of equipment shortages, Kanamon underscored the importance of securing sponsorships to support the programme's expansion. Vital equipment such as hockey balls, bibs, sticks, and a loudhailer are essential for facilitating effective training sessions and fostering a good learning environment for participants. Kanamon, appointed as the development officer in July last year, brings a wealth of experience to his role, with a lifelong dedication to hockey. Having commenced playing at the age of six, he achieved his first representative selection for the Lae side at age 10, subsequently making his debut for Papua New Guinea in 2010 at age 19. With nearly 26 years of involvement in the sport, Kanamon is poised to drive forward the growth and development of hockey in Lae.