Keep it cool

The big surprise of this tournament is undoubtedly the heatwave. The weather is one of the main concerns for every organiser of any outdoor event in Belgium. But usually it is for fear of the event being rained out. On the contrary, these days some places around the hockey venue that may be cause for concern for the lack of water.

Particularly exposed to the sun, the players are the first to suffer from the heat. Surrounded by a skillful staff, they are of course hydrated, covered with sunscreen, and even cooled with ice bags. Let’s think of the goalkeepers as well, who must have a really tough time. Fortunately, in the meantime special measures have been taken so that no one suffers too much. Rushing next to the players, the referees who are there for the whole game are even more admirable. Wearing a camelback may become compulsory for them. Concerning the ball boys, they could be sprayed with water during halftime to avoid them fainting.

The fans seated in full sunlight in the stands will have one more reason to wear hats and other headgear with the colours of their country. It will be a preventative measure and a show of patriotism. Moreover it will bring an extra touch of colour to the stands! For those who are worried about the people staying in the very high glazed booths around the pitch, well these places are equipped with an air-cooling system so it is nice and cool there. Sadly, you cannot buy a ticket to sit up there!

The stamina award goes most notably to the actors who surely don’t play a crucial sports role but nevertheless are very present on the pitch: the mobile cameraman who has to live with the heat and the weight of the camera and Sparky under his thick fur. (Sun)hats off to them !