As one of the most successful players in the history of the
game, the eight time FIH Player of the Year will use her experiences
from winning four Olympic (two silver and two bronze) and four Hockey World Cup
(two gold and two bronze) medals to inspire and educate young people around the
world, including thousands of athletes who will be competing at the YOG
between 1-12 October in 2018.
The news was announced following a day in which Luciana
brought hockey to the people of Buenos
Aires in a number of activities staged in the city last
Friday.
This included a coaching session and skills clinic with
Luciana and around 300 local school children at the Pope Francis Hockey Club in
the south of the city - an area of Buenos
Aires targeted by the local government in need of
urban regeneration. There she was assisted by four Youth Olympians who claimed
the bronze medals for Argentina
women at the Nanjing
2014 YOG.
Speaking of this announcement, Luciana said: “Being named as
an Ambassador for the 2018 Youth Olympic Games in my home country, Argentina ,
is simply awesome! Buenos Aires
is an unbelievably passionate sports city and I’m so excited to be part of such
a special occasion. One thing I can guarantee is that everyone coming here for
the YOG will have a truly life-changing experience.”
She added: “I hope that in my role as an Ambassador and by
sharing all of my amazing experiences from hockey, I will be able to inspire
young people, not only in the terms of sport but also as human beings. Many of
the youngsters coming to Buenos Aires will be starting out in their sports
careers - some may go on to become Olympians, whilst others may go on to pursue
other careers. Regardless of their future, the Olympic spirit that they will
experience here in Buenos Aires
will teach them all valuable life lessons. I’m sure that each and every athlete
lucky enough to participate in the 2018 YOG will embrace this spirit and in
doing so provide inspiration to many others in their own unique ways, whichever
path they choose.”
FIH President Leandro Negre was also delighted that one
of hockey’s greatest ever players will be an official Ambassador. He said:
“There’s no one better to take on this hugely important role than Luciana.
Whilst her hockey achievements are truly inspirational, she has always been a
role model both on and off the field.”
He continued: “We’ve seen a lot of passion and energy from
the local organising committee in Buenos
Aires already and that’s exactly the qualities that
Luciana will bring with her. I have no doubt that she will be looking to ensure
that the YOG in her homeland is an amazing experience for all of the young
athletes competing there, and the millions more following this event around the
world.”
FIH Press release
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