International Hockey Federation Signs Long-Term Agreement to Develop Para-Hockey

-MoU signed with International Sports Federation for Persons with Intellectual Disability

-Development, governance and integrity key components of agreement

-Para-Hockey events to be integrated into international hockey calendar

Lausanne, Switzerland: The International Hockey Federation (FIH) has agreed a long-term partnership with the International Sports Federation for Persons with Intellectual Disability (INAS) aimed at providing more opportunities to play Para-Hockey across the world.

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed by both organisations following extensive discussions and planning over the last few months.

This formalisation will see the development and implementation of strategies and programmes aimed at growing the discipline of Para-Hockey for persons with intellectual disability as part of the FIH’s continued drive to increase access to hockey at all levels and abilities, as part of the 10-year Hockey Revolution strategy.

Whilst plans to develop this discipline form the foundations of this agreement, FIH have committed to a number of measures relating to governance, regulation and administration. This will include the establishment of classification criteria as well as measures designed to manage anti-doping and corruption.

One of the immediate tasks will be the undertaking of a global audit to monitor participation figures in relation to this discipline. A concerted effort will also be made to promote Para-Hockey amongst FIH’s 137 National Associations and INAS’ 78 Member Organisations.

Once this discipline becomes further established internationally, it is the intention to integrate Para-Hockey events into the international hockey calendar, with a view to introducing Continental events and World Cups, another important step towards possible Paralympic Games inclusion in the future.

Speaking of this agreement, FIH President Dr Narinder Dhruv Batra said: "This is an exciting time for our sport and in particular Para-Hockey. The signing of this MoU with INAS outlines our commitment to the development and promotion of this discipline and provides yet another example of hockey’s inclusivity, a key component of our 10-year Hockey Revolution strategy." He continued: "We look forward to working with INAS to create a solid structure aimed at increasing access to Para-Hockey over the coming years."

Amaury Russo, INAS President added: "We are delighted to be working with FIH in the coming years. Signing this MoU is a significant step for both organisations and the sport of Para-Hockey. We know that there are thousands of people already engaged with this discipline and now, together with FIH, we can really push on with developing opportunities globally through a professionally structured, long-term strategy."

Over the coming months further details about the development of Para-Hockey will be revealed through through FIH.ch and via FIH Twitter, Facebook and Instagram using the hashtag #ParaHockey.

ENDS

Notes to Editors:

Media Enquiries and interview requests:

Danny Parker, FIH Communications & Digital Manager

daniel.parker@fih.ch

+41 (0) 79 619 77 24

About the International Hockey Federation (FIH)

The International Hockey Federation (FIH) is the world governing body for the sport of hockey, recognised by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). Founded in 1924, FIH today has 137 member National Associations. For more information on the Hockey Revolution, visit: fih.ch/inside-fih/our-strategy.

About International Sports Federation for Persons with Intellectual Disability (INAS)

inas.org

INAS is the International Federation for sport for athletes with an intellectual disability within the Paralympic movement and is the recognised member of the International Paralympic Committee.

25 Years at #1: Your best source of news about the Olympics is www.aroundtherings.com, for subscribers only