The Eastern Institute of Technology (EIT) has joined the group of Hawke’s Bay business and community leaders backing the Black Sticks on their road to London.

“EIT has been involved in high performance sport with our sports scientists and students for quite some time.  With the region supporting the Black Sticks, this is a great opportunity for EIT to support these elite athletes in their campaign for the Olympics,” says EIT Chief Executive Chris Collins.

Hockey New Zealand is delighted to have the support of EIT saying that to have Hawke’s Bay’s key educational institute as part of this unique partnership is a real bonus.

“It is great to have EIT on board. The Hawke’s Bay partnership has allowed us to invest in the men’s and women’s team’s preparation for the Olympics, including training camps, an induction weekend as well as additional international tests,” says chief executive Hilary Poole.

EIT and the Black Sticks have arranged a number of opportunities for sports science students to engage with elite athletes while the Black Sticks Women are in Hawke’s Bay at a training camp this week

Two Bachelor of Recreation and Sport students are having an opportunity to observe and participate in the gym training sessions, under the guidance of Brad Conza, the Black Sticks strength and conditioning coach.

Furthermore, the students are assisting with the videoing of the games alongside the team’s Video Analyst, Ian Hicks.

Tuterangi Nepe-Apatu is one of the students that has been given the opportunity and he says it is a real bonus to learn from Conza and help out with training.

“For me it was a real eye opener seeing elite athletes train in real life and I’m very appreciative to be given this opportunity. I will be heading back on Friday morning to help out in the gym which I can’t wait to do,” says Tuterangi.

Furthermore, Tuterangi says that some of the athletes were new to some of the exercises and thanked the students after the training for helping out.

This Monday, two team members of the Black Sticks Women will be attending a Bachelor of Recreation and Sport class for a “day in the life of” discussions with students.

Before this session, two of the Black Sticks will be in the Oval at EIT giving students some hockey tips and signing memorabilia.