Black Sticks get up close with fans

Many of the businesses in the Hawke's Bay Black Sticks sponsorship group received a Black Stick for the day on Monday, as squad members split for meet and greet sessions around Hawke's Bay.

Captain Kayla Sharland and striker Charlotte Harrison met the staff of Tumu ITM and took part in a meet and greet barbecue.

Defenders Ella Gunson and Bridget Blackwood, with the help of the Lowe Corporation, visited Napier Central and Hereworth Schools, where they fielded questions and taught the kids hockey skills.

At Hereworth School, the pupils' questions ranged from the two players' worst injuries - Blackwood had her teeth knocked out - to their favourite place in New Zealand.

Gunson hoped their visit would have a lasting effect, similar to her own experience as a child.

"I remember going to watch the Black Sticks team," she said. "So seeing them at the turf brings back the childhood memories. It sticks with you when you have Black Sticks come and talk to you."

Although the children were quick to ask how many free hockey sticks they received from their sponsors, the two reminded them that their drive came from national pride.

"It's been a dream to play at an Olympics," Gunson said.

"So if you guys have that dream - go for it - give it what you've got."

Blackwood hoped the visit would help build some links with the Hawke's Bay community, and show the kids the squad members were just normal people.

At the Hastings Health Centre, striker Krystal Forgesson spoke to a small gathering of pupils from Te Mata School and Havelock North Primary about training, diets and selection.

"A lot of the girls made all the age group teams," she said. "I was always in the B team. I didn't make the Black Sticks until I was 23 so that is quite old. I guess just because I loved it so much and wanted to keep playing, that's what kept me going."

Twenty-four businesses make up the Black Sticks sponsorship group, three of which are the Tumu Timbers, the Lowe Corporation and the Hastings Health Centre.

Forgesson said the sponsors and the community support it generated put them in good stead for their Olympic campaign.

"Just knowing that they've put so much into it, it obviously makes us want to work so much harder and be successful [and] they know that we can be successful."

Hastings Health Centre chairman Dr Paddy Twigg said they viewed the sponsorship as a way to give "back to the community in a way that promotes health and activity".