15th June 2018: Our FridayFocus today is all about ParaHockey ID at the Special Olympics last weekend in Doetinchem.
The EHF President attended the Special Olympic Dutch National Games and had this to say on behalf of the EHF “First of all I want to thank Natascha Bruers for her incredible work to get ParaHockey ID showcased at the Special Olympics. This has given our vision for ParaHockey ID a huge boost to link hockey and the Special Olympics. I thoroughly enjoyed being with you in Doetinchem and to feel the glory and happiness of all the participants. Huge thanks to the whole team of volunteers, the coaches, the parents and the athletes for making this happen.”
Natascha Bruers, Sports director AHOD TEAM NL SO informed us that there were 24 teams in 6×6 games and 7 teams 7×7 games (International tournament).
Highlight Video:
We were delighted to have Spanish filmmaker Jools Beardon there to capture the spirt of the games, click here to watch the wonderful highlights video.
Natascha, reacting to the words of the EHF President said “Many thanks Marijke for your amazing words. We are more than happy that you, Norman Hughes (FIH ParaHockey Manager) and Karin Pannekoek-Ter Pelle (KNHB) visited us in Doetinchem.”
“It is an honour to work on this amazing project in cooperation with the FIH, EHF and KNHB. One goal with a lot of people needs really good teamwork. Special Olympics Europe has now had a great view of Field Hockey ID (ParaHockey ID) now.”
“Indeed you were treated to some great hockey along with many happy faces of athletes and coaches! The next step is for us to work with the National Special Olympic organisations so that we can grow ParaHockey within Special Olympics. I am very much looking forward to the future.”
Results:
Special Olympics Results and standings Sunday June 10th 2018 Parahockey ID[1]
Celebrating 25 years:
Marijke took the opportunity to say a huge thanks to Elsbeth Ruys, the founder of ParaHockey (G Hockey), some 25 years ago.. read more .
Marijke presented a gift on behalf of the EHF. Thanking Elsbeth for her vision, her determination and the incredible joy that she has brought to thousands of hockey players over the years.
What next?
The FIH, EHF in partnership with the Special Olympics are working hard to get ParaHockey ID now incorporated into all national SO games. For more information contact Tom Pedersen Smith, EHF Development and Education Manager: development@eurohockey.org
There is a full gallery of photos on our FaceBook page, click here