The World Ball Hockey Federation
- Written by Admin
- Tuesday, 14 August 2012 20:32
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WBHF logo
The World Ball Hockey Federation has been recently founded in July, 2012. Its primary objectives are to promote the sport of ball hockey, also known as street hockey and dekhockey, and to foster its development on a global level in the various formats it is played in. Its focus will be more on the celebration of the sport through increased participation, with less regard to the politics of sport that sometimes hinders the values the WBHF holds dear: fairness, integrity and sportsmanship.
Three of the sport's greatest international developers have accepted roles as founding Directors, with several others to be added in the coming months.
Chris Housser (USA) has long been acclaimed as a pioneer of the outdoor version of the sport both in Canada and USA, shaping its format, rules, regulations and image for decades through his near 40-year involvement in the game. His expertise and dedication will be instrumental in building the foundation of the WBHF.
Jaroslav Melisek (Slovakia) not only provided the forum for the sport's first international competitions, as well as pioneering the development of the game in Europe, but he has also been the single most travelled ambassador of ball hockey on a global level, having visited and played in numerous countries throughout Asia, Europe and the Americas. His 30-years of promoting the sport bring the WBHF a wealth of loyal contacts.
Domenic Di Gironimo, former long-standing President of both the ISBHF and CBHA, returns after a brief retirement from sport governance to accept the challenge offered by several nations to build an international federation committed to multi-level global development of the sport. His past work with countries in Asia, Europe and the Caribbean will provide a platform to build on for their further development.
The WBHF will organize World Cups and Championships for both large arena and small arena formats, seniors, juniors and masters, for both males and females. Toronto, Canada (June 2013) was selected to host the first large arena indoor World Championship for men and women. Bratislava, Slovakia (November 2013) will play host to the small arena outdoor format WC, while USA was selected to host the 2014 World Junior Championships, which will also feature a girls age group international exchange. Sites for following years are in preliminary stages at this time.
In addition to confirmations from Canada and USA for participation in WC 2013, several European, Asian and Caribbean nations have already committed to attend. Further details will follow on their website in the coming weeks and months.
New member nations are welcome to apply.