Field Hockey Championship, Vancouver, 1979

The world championship of women's field hockey will take place in Vancouver from August 16 to 30, 1979. Approximately 40,000 Canadian women and girls already play the game and it is anticipated that the championship will stimulate an even greater interest in this popular sport. As is the case with many sports, field hockey's beginnings can be traced back to ancient times. The English systematized it, however, in the nineteenth century. Some people describe the game as "soccer with sticks". Two teams of 11 members play two 35-minute halves on a smooth, level grass field, 100 yards long by 60 yards wide. Only two players can be substituted during a match, so fitness is essential. Aside from running, the game emphasizes passing and teamwork. The rules prohibit violence, though some encounters become quite rough. Furthermore, it takes courage to try to control a rock hard field hockey ball travelling at speeds up to 160 kilometres an hour. The Field Hockey stamp was designed by Jon Eby of Toronto. Using a posterized adaptation of photographs, the designs convey a sense of the stamina and skill needed to participate in this strenuous sport.