Astonishing Special Olympics World Games adds to Hockey ID’s rise
EuroHockey President Marijke Fleuren hailed the “astonishing” Special Olympics World Games as Hockey ID took another huge step forward this week.
It was Hockey ID’s debut at the global event which culminated in the FIH and Special Olympics signing a partnership to celebrate the introduction of hockey as a sport at the World Games.
Reflecting on the event, Fleuren said: “These astonishing Special Olympics World Games have become a great experience. Seeing the different sports in different formats and the real attention for the athletes, I can only be grateful that the HockeyID Athletes will also be a part of this family.
“Together with their families, friends and volunteers, the HockeyID Athletes have ‘made their mark’. It has really been amazing to see.
“To become a part of the SO family, all credit go to Norman Hughes and Natascha Bruers. They ignited the fire, supported by many diehards around them.
Bulgarian team huddle
“The Athletes themselves deserved this platform following five consecutive European Parahockey Championships held over the last 10 years.
“We are already looking forward to another one in August in Mönchengladbach where they will be supported by the group of officials and umpires, Sabina Zampetti, Rob ten Cate and our Youth Panel.
“We have achieved a milestone that will bring happiness to many people in the hockey community worldwide!”
On Saturday, Special Olympics and the International Hockey Federation (FIH) took to the pitch to pen an inaugural agreement between the two organizations, dedicated to the development of hockey for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).
Hockey made its first-ever appearance at World Games debuting in Berlin as a demonstration sport with 12 countries taking part, including hosts Germany.
The Memorandum of Understanding between the two organisations focuses on cooperation, development, and promotion of the sport around the world to create more opportunities for people with IDD to experience the social, emotional, and physical benefits of hockey.
The agreement has an initial focus on developing the sport in the Europe and Latin America regions, where excitement has been growing.
Hockey started on the first day of competition with matches happening every day, and concluded on 24 June, followed by award ceremonies celebrating the athletic achievements of all 12 nations.
Overall, there were nine teams from Europe with Germany’s second team winning the Challenge competition with Netherlands in second and France in third. Spain won the Championship with Egypt second and Belgium in third while the Trophy was won by Great Britain with Bulgaria – in their first tournament – in second place.
Spain celebrate
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