The organising committee of the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games (BOCOG) has recently selected Poligras Olympia 2008 from Sports Technology International as the synthetic turf to be used at all of the Hockey venues for the 2008 Olympic Games.

A key factor in the new Poligras Olympia 2008 hockey pitch is the co-operation and joint development with TenCate Thiolon of a new generation LSR (low sliding resistance) yarn. This new concept in yarn – ‘TenCate Thiolon LSR 7500 micro fibre’ offers greater physical protection for the athletes competing. Not only does the TenCate Thiolon combined with the new generation of shock layer from Sports Technology International provide improved shock absorption, but it also offers true non-directional play giving better ball roll characteristics allowing faster and more accurate play.

The POLIGRAS turf will be laid at the two competition pitches at the main Olympic Hockey Stadium and the three training pitches at the Olympic Training Venue, the former venue of the 1990 Asian Games and has recently had a seal of approval from players hoping to play at the games in twelve months.

The ‘Good Luck Beijing 2007 Invitational Hockey Tournament’ organised by the Chinese Hockey Association and the Beijing Municipal People’s Government started at the National Olympic Hockey Centre marking the one year anniversary until the Beijing Olympics.

The tournament held from 8-13 August 2007 featured eight men and eight women’s games on the brand new ‘Poligras Olympia 2008’ installation.

Song Yi, Captain of the Chinese men’s hockey team commented: “This is the best hockey pitch in China, it is truly top quality!” Other endorsements shortly followed from Yang Chao, Chinese Hockey Association official and Liam De Young of the Australian Hockeyroos who both commented: “The players and coaches are all extremely satisfied with the quality of this hockey pitch. The pitch is truly world class and fast… which we certainly don’t mind!”

Poligras has been recently installed in the UK by Kent based contractors Active Leisure Contracts in various sporting arenas; most notably for Worcester Warriors new training academy, London Wasps and Dartford FC’s new training facility.

For further information about Active Leisure Contracts, please contact 01474 364320 or visit www.activeleisurecontracts.co.uk for further information on Sports Technology International, please visit www.sti-sports.com