Medal honours hockey icon

BORN-AND-BRED Rockhampton man, Colin Hamilton, will be honoured with an Order of Australia medal for his long service to hockey in the Rockhampton region.

Colin Hamilton was awarded an OAM on Australia Day. Picture: Allan Reinikka

FOR born-and-bred Rockhampton man Colin Hamilton, hockey has been more than a hobby - it's been his life.

The 83-year-old will today be honoured with an Order of Australia medal, recognising his long commitment in the Rockhampton region to the sport he loves.

Colin started playing hockey in Rockhampton when he was 11 years old, moving on to coaching in the 1970s.

Colin said he had seen a lot change, from the beginning of the Rockhampton Hockey Association to the laying of the turf at Kalka Shades.

But he said the highlight of his relationship with hockey was watching his children and grandchildren follow in his footsteps.

"My son is in his 40s and still plays in Rockhampton," he said.

Colin is now a life member of the Rockhampton Hockey Association where he was vice-president.

He said he was shocked to find out he had been nominated for an award.

"I couldn't take it in for a while," he said. "I'm very proud."

Colin's advice to aspiring hockey players was to train hard.

"Success won't come if you sit on the sidelines," he said.
 

Originally published as Medal honours hockey icon