19th August 2017: The 29th General Assembly of the European Hockey Federation took place on Friday 18th August in Amsterdam, The Netherlands with 31 National Associations in attendance. The delegates approved the audited accounts and budget 2018 as well as the amendments to the Statutes: in the future the EHF Executive Board must have at least 3 elected women ordinary members and 3 elected male ordinary members.
President’s Welcome:
Marijke Fleuren, President of the EHF focussed on the recent Championships in the various age groups and their hosts, on important international matters as the Olympic Games in Paris 2024 and the qualification of Italy Women for the World Cup, on the FIH certified umpiring programm ‘Supporting National Growth’ and on what for her are the 4 insights for good Leadership in Sport: Together, Involvement of Key People, Ownership and Support.
Director General’s Report:
Director General, Angus Kirkland reported on facts and figures around what the European Hockey Federation as a community has delivered over the last 2 years with particular attention to the contribution of Europe’s volunteers.
He also introduced the new streaming platform eurohockeyTV.org and the plans for the future with free access to fans to watch and National Associations to upload content.
Education / Development:
Norman Hughes shared with the delegates the results of biannual survey highlighting a 19% growth across Europe. Next up were two presentations of the Twinning Projects by Bulgaria/Athena and Split/Oosterbeek.
These highlighted the benefits to both parties and the results of their co-operation. Sincere thanks was given to the KNHB for their initiation of the Sharing Knowledge Programme.
Let’s Share!:
The theme of the Assembly was Let’s Share and delegates had 5 choices – Hosting, 3 Tier Education System, Para and Youth Hockey, Twinning and Social Media – to attend round table discussions in a “speed dating” style which was well received. In addition, the Youth Leaders winning presentation was given by Cedric Vermeiren of Belgium who talked eloquently and passionately about working and developing ParaHockey at his Club. The President congratulated not only Cedric but all the Youth Panel for the energy and enthusiasm commenting that she hoped to see in the near future the results of their plans and to see them back in the different committees and Executive Boards of their NA’s.
EHF Awards:
Herman Kruis of Push Hockey club in the Netherlands and Antonio Antonov from Bulgaria were recognised with a Diploma of Merit for their sterling service to Hockey in Europe. Gianni Rossi, an outgoing Board Member, was made a Member of Honour for his services to the Italian Hockey Federation (from 1977 on) and to the EHF starting back in 1985 on the ‘Women in Sport’ committee through chairing the Development Committee.
The meeting culminated in a special presentation to retiring Vice President Jorge Alcover. Jorge has served with distinction on the Board of the EHF for 30 years as a member and Vice President. His knowledge, grace and good humour will be greatly missed on the Board.
Jorge Alcover and Marijke Fleuren L-R:Back: Mika Rihtila, Leonardas Caikauskas, Peter Elders (newly elected) , Angus Kirkland, Simon Mason, Patrick Keusters (newly elected ), Davia Serrahima (newly elected) Front: Inez Cooper, Walter Kapounek (elected Vice President), Marijke Fleuren, Carola Meyer (elected Vice President), Pam Michaelis (newly elected)