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Ellina Mhlanga Senior Sports Reporter
FOR Sarah Bennett, officiating at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games was a dream come true.
Zimbabwe had some technical and administrative officials at the Tokyo 2020 Games and Bennett was one of them.
She was appointed a judge for the Men’s Gold Medal match, between Australia and Belgium.
This week Hockey Association of Zimbabwe announced her appointment by the International Hockey Federation as member of their Development and Education Committee.
“It is our pleasure to announce that the FIH executive board, during its meeting held on 4 August in Tokyo, has appointed Sarah Bennett as a Member of the Development and Education Committee, starting immediately.
“The HAZ congratulate Sarah on this amazing achievement,” posted HAZ on their Facebook page.
Speaking to The Saturday Herald, on her appointment, Bennett said it’s an honour, not just for her, but for the country, and the African continent.
“To be appointed onto the FIH Development and Education Committee is not only an honour for myself, but for Zimbabwe and Africa, as a whole.
“Development, education and promotion of hockey, as a whole product, in a positive light across the globe (and), at the same time, ensuring that we develop hockey across Africa,” said Bennett.
Bennett is the secretary-general for Hockey Association of Zimbabwe and Africa Hockey Federation executive board member.
She has had a successful path in hockey, from her days as a player.
“This is very unexpected and it’s an honour for this important role to be bestowed upon me, and I will do my utmost to give the best I can, for the benefit of hockey, across all stakeholders,” said Bennett.
“Officiating at the Olympics was a dream come true for me, not only making my family, friends proud but flying my country’s flag with pride.
“The Tokyo Olympics was a unique experience, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, but the Tokyo officials did an outstanding job, in pulling off a world-class event, under very stressful and trying circumstances.
“My approach is treat each tournament as though it could be your last.
“Give it your all, make friends, network and take in the culture of the countries you visit,” said Bennett. She played for Zimbabwe Under-21, at the Junior World Cup in Chile, in 2005, as well as the national ladies team.
She also featured for the Zimbabwe Masters, as the goalkeeper.
Previously, she was an FIH umpire, at the Olympic qualifiers, and at the Singapore Youth Olympic Games, in 2010.
Bennett is currently the FIH technical official on the Olympic panel.
She won the 2019 Annual National Sports Awards Technical Official of the Year gong.
Online Reporter