Spain’s Club Egara recently held the fifth edition of the European Mami’s Hockey Festival. This year, the festival welcomed 52 teams with more than 600 players from all over the world. Over 3,000 people were at Club Egara during the three day tournament (19 – 20 May), as players, supporters, family and most importantly, friends! Although this is a women’s tournament, in true Egara fashion, thousands of people turned out to support the visiting and local players. A true example of #HeforShe in action!
The festival included not just hockey, but also family activities, dancing and some entertainment. This year’s edition was extra special, as it is also the 25th anniversary of the 1992 Barcelona Olympic Games. Terrassa served as a second venue to this weekend of hockey and celebration. This gave the festival one of its most emotional moments: The ’92 hockey Olympic squad were present and walked the Olympic torch from the Terrassa Olympic Stadium to the first pitch at Club Egara.
The Barcelona Olympics hold another special significance for hockey, as German player Andreas Keller became the third generation member of his family to win a medal in hockey by winning gold in 1992, making Olympic and hockey history. His grandfather, Erwin, earned a medal in 1936 and his father Carsten, in 1972.
Present for this important moment and throughout the weekend were RFEH President, Santiago Deo, as well as its Vice-President, Marc Sala and Xavi Adell, President of the Catalan Hockey Federation. They were warmly welcomed by Club Egara President Pere Marcet. Other dignitaries present included Blanca Nualart, from the Catalan Sports Council, and Terrassa Mayor Jordi Ballart.
The event was only possible thanks to the amazing work done by more than 200 volunteers who worked with the club organisation team. But of course, the real starts of the show were the Mamis themselves, who had a great attitude and came ready to play and showcase the very best of hockey.
Make sure you don’t miss next year’s edition!