Picking up a hockey stick and chasing a ball have been part of Tania Mann’s life since she was just four.
The 38 year-old from Rakaia was encouraged into hockey by both her parents.
In October this year, Mann will represent New Zealand in the World Cup Master Hockey in South Africa as a member of the New Zealand Women’s Masters over-35s team.
‘‘I am quite excited to be going to the World Cup, especially as I am reaching the upper age limit for my age group,’’ Mann said.
But it will be bittersweet, as her stay overseas will coincide with the oneyear anniversary of her mum Rhonda Henderson’s death from cancer.
Henderson was also a masters hockey player, and the motherdaughter pair had hoped this would be the first World Cup masters they competed in alongside each other. Mann was selected for the New Zealand Women’s over 35 Team in March last year, while Henderson passed away in October.
Henderson is survived by her partner 74-year-old Richard Pettet from Christchurch, who is also a World Cup Masters player. He will be accompanying Mann on the trip and playing in the men’s 65 age group.
‘‘It will really nice to be away with him with mum’s one year anniversary while we are away,’’ Mann said.
‘‘Mum was my inspiration to keep playing and working hard, and to follow in her footsteps,’’ she said.
Henderson had played in New Zealand Masters from the age of about 40 to 64. She was then diagnosed with cancer, but still participated in north versus south hockey matches.
Mann’s selection last year for the New Zealand Women’s over 35 team came after being selected for the Canterbury team which played in the national tournament.
There are not enough players in her age group for a team in Mid Canterbury, so she plays for a Hornby team, which involves lots of trips to Christchurch for practices and games twice a week.
Mann has been fundraising for the cost of the trip. The total cost including flights, accommodation, tournament fees, uniform and attending national trainings is more than $6000.
Mann enjoyed playing hockey for the fitness side, as well as for the friendships made with others from around New Zealand.
For the World Cup tournament, teams in the men’s and women’s 35, 40, 65 and 70 age groups will play in Cape Town. The 45, 50, 55 and 60 age group will play in Auckland.
