In anticipation of this year’s Euro ParaHockey Championships, which will take place in Amsterdam 20/23 August, we are sharing some videos made by some of the Para athletes. This week, we have England’s Tom Kirby, Oliver Clayton and Katharine Hyslop telling us what it means to them be part of a team, how they feel about the upcoming tournament and hockey.
The Flyerz movement began in 2011 and seeks to support hockey clubs across England to become more inclusive. There are now thought to be around 15 Flyerz clubs across England. The number of disabled people who take part in sport has grown significantly and England Hockey are committed to providing hockey playing opportunities with an emphasis on inclusion and participation.
Flyerz hockey has become a really positive term for disability hockey in England. Created by our clubs, we prefer it, as Flyerz is something that people want to belong to.
Midland Mencap started hockey in 2014 following a successful Inclusive Sports bid to Sport England. Midland Mencaps Inclusive hockey was started with the help of Midlands club Old Silhillians, this enabled us to attend the 2014 Flyerz Festival the Forest Flyerz held. The squad were fortunate enough to be given the opportunity to take part in the 2015 Euro Hockey Para Championships held in London as the English representatives. The team finished with a bronze medal in the development pool, and the squad hope to better this achievement in Amsterdam.
The squad enjoyed the hockey in London and train every week (rain, snow and now sunshine), they are looking forward to meeting players, coaches and fans from all European countries taking part. For some of our team it is the first time they have ever been part of a sports team or played in a competitive game! Midland Mencap Flyerz have come a long way!
Property for kids is a Birmingham based charity and is the collective name for a group of individuals who formed a committee with the sole intent of raising money for disadvantaged children in the West Midlands. ‘PFK’ supports many charities, large and small, primarily those with which our donation will provide a useful asset, such as a safe playground, a minibus or specialist equipment.
Property for Kids have generously donated enough money to ensure the team has kit that they are all proud of in Amsterdam.
Keep an eye on our website as we continue to feature the participating teams of the Euro ParaHockey Championship!
Interested in ParaHockey? Don’t know where to start? Email us for more information!