Gala Day to showcase wonders of modern medicine

On Saturday 10 December, hockey players from all walks of life will join to celebrate the annual ChestRad Western Hockey Masters Gala Day at Perth Hockey Stadium at Curtin University.

After its success across the past few years and expansion in 2021, the event is now bigger and better than ever, with the combination of the annual ‘Bionic Cup’ played between knee and hip replacement patients, and the heart versus cancer ‘Survivors Cup’, now including women’s matches.

This year will see the Nice’n’Kneesy versus Breast Friends Cup - where women with hip and knee replacements come up against cancer and heart survivors - and the OBE Cup for men over 80.

Tony Jones was part of organising the event alongside Dan Hill, Simon Thompson and Bob Bowyer last year, and is back behind the wheel for round two of the successful event.

Having overcome prostate cancer himself, Jones said last year’s event was a huge success.

“I think as our first attempt to grow the tradition of the Bionic Cup, it seemed to be very well received,” Jones said.

“Plus being able to get support from companies associated with the medical community was another great starting point.

“2021 was the first year we tried making it a bit more spectacular with a program, team sponsors, cup sponsors and hockey legends like Ric Charlesworth presenting trophies.”

The foundations for the event began with the ‘Hips versus Knees’ tournament in 2016, with 15 knee replacement recoverees playing against 15 who had overcome hip replacements.

It was such a success throughout the years that it’s formed the Gala Day, providing a community for people to come together.

“Last year we mixed the key games of Bionic Cup and Survivors Cup with a range of games, for those without any of the ailments so all could participate,” Jones said.

“But this year it has expanded so quickly we chose to move the gala day to a Saturday, as a spectacle of its own and play our normal Wednesday fixtures for everyone to compete as normal.”

An eagerly-anticipated day for many, survivors are able to join forces for a day of hockey fun, and to celebrate the advancements of modern medicine.

“I think it’s very special,” Jones said.

“Medical science is allowing people to get back into some sport they love and still be competitive and enjoy it.

“I think it is unique and amazing on a number of fronts.

“Survivors of key life dramas are able to move on and enjoy sport in their lives, both genders are participating this year, and hockey can be played at all ages.

“We have two teams of over 80 year olds actively running around and competing in a physical sport.

“Hockey is a unique team sport because it is played from very young ages to a very old age, while being physical and with great skill.”

A day they’re hoping to grow in years to come.

“Each year we plan to review and see what else we can add to make the Gala Day an amazing festival of hockey,” Jones said.

ChestRad Western Hockey Masters Gala Day

Saturday 10 December - Perth Hockey Stadium at Curtin University

Sponsors

ChestRad

Genesis Care 

Perth Radiological Clinic

Perth Urology Clinic 

Australian Orthopaedic Association 

Contributors

Heart Foundation

Cancer Council

Panchos Mexican Villa restaurant

Medical Forum