JANUARY 22 2011
JANUARY 22/11 BRATISLAVA, SVK - Where all the magic began, is where the ISBHF street hockey history will once again emerge.
Even with the loss of both India and Italy, the 2011 Senior World Championship is poised to have the largest number of nations competing with 18 to 20 expected in the Men's divisions, and 8 to 10 in the Women's.
The additions of France, Hungary, Poland, and Spain in the Men's B-Pool for the first time guarantee an expansion from past event sof 16 nations. Much of the credit goes to the globe trotting exploits of Jaroslav Melisek for his relentless effort to seek street hockey in all corners of the planet. Melisek was also the mastermind behind the very first ISBHF WC in 1996. I am certain that 2011 will be as memorable.
The Canadian Ball Hockey Association has been a long time supporter of development around the world through the non-resident programs initiated in 2002. These efforts have produced programs in England, Greece, Pakistan, and Portugal. Two that have stumbled are India and Italy, both failing to create youth development programs in the home countries by August 31, 2010.
The Team India program, led by Indo-Canadians, announced that they are suspending their efforts in India. It is not known how long this setback will affect involvement in future WC's. Clearly it is time for more volunteers to come forward to save the future of this program.
Meanwhile, the Italo-Canadians are determined to establish programs with developments being made on three potential fronts.
The Czechs and Slovaks have also been influential in development efforts globally. We are fortunate to have such a strong sense of community in street hockey that has semenated the sport around the world.
President's note
George Gortsos
ISBHF president
This past weekend I had the honour of becoming the third President of the ISBHF.
I believe that as a player and coach I have always strived to play ball hockey in a skilled and team way. Now I have a chance to work with all the great leaders of our sport throughout the World who love the game like we all do. I met some great people in Paris. And I would like to thank the representatives of all our member nations who voted me in on behalf of ball hockey players around the World.
This is an honour I will handle with the honesty and hard work that made me a successful player and coach. I want to share the main keys that I will strive to work with my fellow board members to make this game better around the World.
Continue
More notes
ADVERTISEMENT
Tournaments
Newsletter
Do you want to receive information about hockeyball to your mail box?
