Family of late UEA student 'honoured' by hockey pitch renaming
One of the University of East Anglia's hockey pitches will now be named after Michael Covell. Another after Honorary President Norman Hart
A local University tells us the family of a late local student were 'honoured' by the renaming of a hockey pitch after him.
Michael Covell played the sport at the University of East Anglia in 1997, but he passed away from meningitis later that year.
Following this the club say they have a 'unwavering commitment to fundraising for Meningitis Now', with thousands being raised across the years in his memory.
"Sadly, he only had ten weeks at UEA, but they were happy weeks"
David and John Covell, Michael’s brother and father, said: “On behalf of Michael’s whole family, we are thankful for this touching tribute to his memory.
"Michael worked hard to get a place at UEA and was excited to study there, as well as discover a new part of the world so far from his home. From the regular updates we received, it was clear he settled in quickly and the hockey club was a big part of that.
“Michael loved all aspects of his sport, especially the friendships he made through it. Sadly, he only had ten weeks at UEA, but they were happy weeks. He would enjoy remaining part of the hockey at UEA in some way, although none of us ever imagined it would take this form. We wish the UEA Hockey club continuing success, both on and off the pitch.”
"Very grateful for how I have been made to feel warmly welcomed and looked after"
Norman Hart has also had a hockey pitch named after him at the University of East Anglia.
Starting as a coach in 1971, he went on to serve as Club Captain (President) from 1972 to 1987, before becoming Honorary President – a role he still proudly holds.
Norman Hart said: “I was blown away by the fantastic support for Meningitis Now, and the amazing work from current students to still be fundraising 28 years after the sad passing of Michael. I am also very grateful for how I have been made to feel warmly welcomed and looked after by both uea+sport and all of the students.
“It was a brilliant weekend, and I know Michael and his cohort of fellow members will be very grateful for the continued fundraising efforts and connection to the club’s history.”
"We would also like to thank all of our students involved with UEA Hockey across the years"
Formerly known as ‘Astro Pitch 2’ at the Sportspark, the pitch will now proudly bear the name ‘Hart and Covell Pitch’.
Phil Steele (UEA’s Director of Sport and Commercial Services): “We are delighted to formally recognise these two wonderful individuals and their impact on UEA Hockey.
“Not many have had such a profound impact in their first semester as Michael Covell. He had an infectious personality and was incredibly well-liked and known to the whole club. Since his heartbreaking passing from meningitis in 1997, UEA Hockey – and its students past and present – have been relentless in their efforts to fundraise for the Meningitis Now charity.
“The sense of connection to Norman Hart from all of UEA Hockey cannot be underestimated. We hope this pitch naming goes some way to show the esteem in which he is held in at UEA, and the respect all of us – staff and students alike – have for him.
“We would also like to thank all of our students involved with UEA Hockey across the years, who have continued to keep the club’s rich and important history alive.