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Artist designs hockey best and fairest trophies
by Pip Miller 27 September 2015
I
ndigenous artist Kevin Edmonstone has created a stunning range of 12 handpainted trophies to be awarded to Best and Fairest Players in each division of the Men’s Masters Australian Championships, being held in Cairns from 26 September to 10 October. Sponsored by Just Hockey (part of Select Sports Group), the unique trophies have been created from hockey balls, with each featuring colourful original designs reflecting aspects of local Indigenous culture. “Kevin is an extremely talented local artist who has produced fantastic creative work with beautiful unique and original designs,” said Select Sports Group Managing Director Lance Forkgen. “Each of his hand-crafted
trophies represents Indigenous culture while being unique to hockey, and they have been particularly well-received by the players.” Mr Edmonstone drew inspiration for the design of the trophies from the Cairns landscape as well as from his native Yarrabah country, where the meeting of land and sea hold special significance to the community. The striking range of trophies was commissioned by Cairns Hockey’s Aspire Program, which is hosting the Barra Challenge, an indigenous training camp for a significant number of young girls, to be held during the Masters Tournament. Mr Edmonstone has worked with the Aspire Program for more than ten years to promote connections between Indigenous art and culture and sport, creating beautiful hand-
painted hockey sticks as well as designing the Aspire Program’s logo. His designs were also featured at last year’s 2014 Hockey World Cup in Holland, while Mr Edmonstone is expected to be commissioned to produce a new range of trophies for winners of next year’s World Hockey Masters event. The artist will also attend the Masters Tournament to speak with young participants of the Barra Challenge. As event sponsors, Just Hockey will donate a total of 18 Best and Fairest Awards, including trophies for the Men’s Masters as well as prizes for the Women’s Australian Masters 2015 held in Brisbane. A souvenir range of hockey sticks designed by Mr Edmonstone will also be available for purchase at the Masters Tournament.
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