SUE HASTIE MEMORIAL TOURNAMENT
16th June 2022
The inaugural Sue Hastie Memorial Tournament was held on Sunday 12 June 2022.
With 10 teams participating from the Moray & Highland regions, 4 of which were from Sue’s beloved Lossie Ladies Netball Club, and with team names and kit promoting ‘Pink’ in tribute to our much-loved teammate Sue, Lossie, and Sue’s battle with breast cancer.
Fancy dress/wear something pink was encouraged at this special fun tournament.
Caroline Cameron gave a heartfelt speech to open the event, highlighting Sue’s contribution to netball, her personal impact, and her special legacy.
We were delighted to have Graeme, Sue’s husband present the winner’s cup, having enjoyed watching some incredible netball throughout the afternoon.
Every aspect of the netball event would have delighted Sue, her sons Matt and Andy were truly inspirational on court, not having played netball for 10 years+, when they used to come along with Sue to our training sessions at Lossie. Having the boys playing with us back then always added a huge amount of fun and athleticism. On Sunday their play was absolutely sensational!
All of the teams competing on Sunday were amazing. Our mixed Lossie team were:
Matt & Andy (Hastie magic x 2), Amy (ace Lossie coach & player), Sharon and Katie (we all love a mum and daughter duo), Kirstin (one of the most smiley centre’s in netball), and me (good having an old one with a few tricks/trips).
Like every netball team competing on the day and throughout the sport, everyone loves the buzz of running around the court, (or beside the court as umpire, coach, spectator), and to share in the passion for the sport, the wonderful people they meet and long lasting friendships made.
Sue had an incredibly positive influence, as a teammate, as an NS Tutor and umpire mentor and truly special friend. Sue had a wonderful, natural ability to tell you the honest truth, she had an astute insight and offered sound advice with never ending encouragement. Sue had a strong personality on and off the court, full of laughter, and we miss her dearly. Her courage and her love of ‘all things Lossie Ladies’ never wavered and we feel extremely lucky and honoured to have known her. The Sue Hastie Memorial netball tournament will be an annual event, a fitting tribute to a wonderful lady.
Lots of ex-Lossie players returned to play and support the event on Sunday, which made it extra special and emotional for us all.
Jo Saville (Brown) a former sports teacher and founder of our club came to support us and kindly gifted flowers as a prize for the best fancy dress.
The tournament raised monies in aid of Marie Curie, chosen by Graeme in recognition of the care given latterly to Sue. Fundraising is ongoing, from team entry fees, a lovely bake sale, and a bottle of Lindores Abbey whisky for a future fundraiser, courtesy of Matt’s generous employers at Lindores Abbey Distillery.
Lossie Ladies mixed team were the (joint) winners of the Sue Hastie Memorial Cup, sharing the win with Gordonstoun staff mixed team, a really perfect way to end the day and competition.
The quality and effort of each of the netball teams competing at the tournament was really superb. There is nothing quite like competitive play for individuals and teams to hone their skills, learn, reflect and grow. All teams thrive on sportsmanship, determination and skill. Being kind, supportive and respectful of your teammates, your opposition and the match officials are always admirable qualities.
We would wish to say a big thank you to everyone who organised, participated and supported the event, and those who wished to be there, who sent lovely messages but were unable to join us. Many thanks to Hendrik Lessing and Gordonstoun school for coordinating and hosting the tournament.
Sue would have loved it all. We definitely felt her to be with us, an unbelievable magical day!
Fiona Houliston, Lossie Ladies Netball Club & Vice-Chairman Highland & Moray League
