Eliza’s Game: York Hockey Club and beyond unite for World Record and Charity in honour of a brave young girl

REGISTER TO PLAY HERE

York Recreation Centre is set to become the heart of hockey, community and compassion as York Hockey Club prepares to host a world record-breaking event in support of two life-changing causes.

On Saturday 13 September, the club will host the inaugural Eliza’s Game, an eight-hour marathon hockey match aiming to set the World Record of most players in a hockey exhibition match.

The continuous game will feature players of all ages and abilities in a spirited East vs West showdown, all in the name of charity.

Eliza’s Game will raise funds for two remarkable initiatives:

·       Eliza’s Sparkle – supporting childhood cancer research through the Kids Research Institute.

·       Hurt to Help – providing financial aid to individuals and families affected by medical issues, accidents, domestic violence and other crises.

Eliza’s Sparkle was created to honour the legacy of Eliza, a courageous six-year-old who battled a rare cancer known as Poorly Differentiated Chordoma.

Her mother, Brit Reynolds, described Eliza as “the most incredible, courageous and resilient six-year-old”.

“Just a month before her fifth birthday, she was diagnosed with an incredibly rare cancer, and our whole world shattered,” she said.

“From that moment, Eliza faced everything head-on - surgeries, chemotherapy, radiation therapy in the USA, and immunotherapy both overseas and back in Australia – and powered through it all.

“When we lost Eliza, we created Eliza’s Sparkle to fund her oncologist, Dr Neha Jain, and her groundbreaking immunotherapy research.

“Every dollar raised goes directly to Dr Neha’s work, with no fees or overheads taken.”

Ms Reynolds also shared how said Hurt to Help, founded by hockey player Ethan Stirrat, played a pivotal role in their journey.

“While we were in Perth, Ethan wouldn’t give up on reaching us,” she said.

“He wanted to support us, not just as a new friend, but through his charity.

“A couple of weeks later, Ethan met us at the hospital and handed us a $20,000 cheque, which was an enormous help.

“What truly stood out – and what will stay with us forever – was the friendship and support from Ethan and his mum, Lynda.”

Ms Reynolds said Eliza loved growing up in York and was eager to take part in sports when she started kindergarten.

“When it came to Minkey, she was all in,” she said.

“She had her bag, her sporty outfits, and a smile from ear to ear.

“Sadly, Minkey would be the only chance she had to play hockey in York.”

Event organiser and Officer in Charge at York Police Station, Sergeant Andy Galbraith, said Eliza’s Game is a “world record attempt with hockey, connection and community at the heart of it”.

“So many people in the community were touched by Eliza’s story,” he said.

“Not all people can make grand gestures, however, wanted to feel a if they could show their support somehow, and Eliza’s Game provides these people the opportunity to do exactly that.

“Sport is at the heart of small regional communities, and it was the logical choice.

“It took us a while to figure out exactly what we could do that would be something to plan an event around, so the World Record attempt was absolutely perfect.”

Eliza’s Game will see two teams play eight hours of hockey with each participant playing 25 minutes of hockey, starting off with younger participants, followed by time slots based on age and hockey experience and ability for the remainder of the day.

REGISTER TO PLAY HERE

“At this point we have people registered who have played hockey at the highest level through to those who have never held a hockey stick,” Sgt. Galbraith said.

“We have people aged 5-80 registered, which makes for a great level of diversity and experience, sure to create a fun day for all involved!”

To make the day truly memorable, a host of other activities will be on offer throughout the day such as raffles, auctions, live music, a young farmers competition, and face-painting.

Sgt. Galbraith said the level of support for Eliza’s Game so far has been “incredible”.

“We have had upwards of 25 sponsors from the local community and beyond supporting our event and we currently have 275 people registered to play!” he said.

“There’s still plenty of room for some participants to get on board and get involved in the fun of Eliza’s Game.”

Ms Reynolds said she has been overwhelmed by the strong support for Eliza’s Game from the York community and beyond.

“The York Hockey Club, like the entire York community, has been there for us from day one,” she said.

“When we shared Eliza’s Sparkle, Andy G was determined to make this event happen.

“He, alongside the hockey club, has been a powerhouse in bringing this vision to life.

“We have felt truly supported and loved through the planning of Eliza’s Game, and I’ve been so proud to serve on the committee – seeing firsthand the passion and excitement everyone holds for hosting an event in Eliza’s honour.”

To register and be part of what is set to be a fantastic day at the York Recreation Centre, sign up HERE via Humanitix.