A shared passion for hockey and a childhood friendship were the inspiration for a fundraiser now in its fifth year.
The Liv Sproule Memorial Round will be played at the Tasmanian Hockey Centre this weekend, paying tribute to a passionate and courageous hockey player, Livinia (Liv) Sproule, who passed away from a rare cancer in 2019.
Since the memorial round started five years ago, it has been a way to honour Liv while also raise valuable funds for the charity that supported her during her diagnosis, Rare Cancers Australia.
Her friend Phillida Bridley came up with the idea of the round as a way to celebrate Liv’s life and their shared love of hockey.
“I met Liv at primary school in kindergarten, and with both our families playing hockey we became inseparable, spending all day at school together, then heading out to play hockey,” Phillida recalls.
“Liv always had a loving and caring personality.
“On the hockey field she was always willing to do her best for her team. The friendships she made through hockey were everlasting and I am so grateful to have played with her.”
The Liv Sproule Memorial Round involves all six clubs in the premier league in Hobart, including Liv’s beloved OHA Hockey Club.
The weekend includes stalls selling items like wristbands and cookies, and for the first time this year, a huge raffle.
“It’s so amazing to have the round grow to be more successful every year to help raise awareness and support for Rare Cancers Australia, and most importantly remember and honour Liv,” Phillida said.
“This year with the raffle, it’s also so great to see a range of Tasmanian businesses donating such generous prizes for such a great cause.”
As well as the fundraising element, Liv is remembered on the hockey field too.
“All the games will be watched by judges and there are three nominations for the most courageous and resilient players over the women’s games,” Phillida said.
“There is then a winner and a perpetual trophy that has been running for five years now.”
Phillida extended her thanks to the Sproule family, Hockey Tasmania, Pennicott Cruises, Brooks family, Stephen McMullen, Chris Rigby, New Town Station Nursery, 7K Distillery and Hobart Just Hockey Shop for their contributions.
Raffle tickets are available online.
Donations towards the Liv Sproule Memorial Round can be made on the Rare Cancers Australia website.