Bentstix calls for members
The Sydney Bentstix gay and lesbian hockey club is on a recruitment drive for new members.
With two men’s teams playing weekly in the Sydney Hockey Competition, Bentstix can lay claim to being the world’s leading gay and lesbian field hockey club, winning gold medals at the 2009 World Outgames and 2010 Gay Games, and dual gold at this year’s Asia Pacific Outgames in Wellington.
Established in 1996 during Mardi Gras as a social network of like-minded players, the club has grown to include more than 70 active members — men, women, gay, straight, lesbian and anywhere in between.
In addition to competing in international gay and lesbian sporting events, Bentstix enters teams in local competitions each year. The 4.1 Men’s Team reached the semi-finals of the Sydney Hockey Association Winter Competition in 2010.
Other annual events for the club include the February Pink Hockey Tournament and involvement in Mardi Gras.
Bentstix is working steadily towards its next major sporting goal: both the male and female teams will defend their hard-earned gold from Wellington at the 3rd World Outgames in Antwerp, Belgium in August 2013. The nine-day event will be Bentstix’s chance to take on the world.
But with four days of competition planned, that still leaves at least five days for Bentstix to get acquainted with other competitors and experience all Antwerp has to offer. The club aims to send two men’s and women’s teams, plus supporters.
Even if you’re a hockey novice who dreams of one day playing in an international competition, now’s the time to get involved with Bentstix — you have two years to practise for the Outgames.
info: www.bentstix.com.au
