AHF: Celebrating the heartbeat of hockey on International Volunteer Day

Lausanne, Switzerland: Every stick swing, every goal scored, and every victory celebrated in hockey is built on the dedication of countless volunteers. From grassroots programs to elite international tournaments, volunteers form the foundation of hockey. They are the coaches introducing children to the joy of the game, the umpires ensuring fair play, the event organizers orchestrating seamless tournaments, and the mentors shaping the next generation of leaders.

In many parts of the world, hockey’s very existence relies on the passion and selflessness of these individuals. Their commitment not only helps the sport flourish but also strengthens communities, teaching values of teamwork, resilience, and inclusivity.

This International Volunteer Day, the global hockey community comes together to shine a spotlight on the unsung heroes who work tirelessly behind the scenes, fostering the growth of our beloved sport.

To honor these hard-working and committed individuals, FIH is presenting an FIH International Volunteer Day award, recognising the invaluable contribution of each nominee. All the recipients of the award have been nominated by their continental federation.

FIH President Tayyab Ikram said: “Today, as the global hockey community celebrates International Volunteer Day, we express our heartfelt gratitude to all the volunteers who make hockey more than just a sport – it’s a movement. Their efforts ignite passion, build bridges across cultures, and create lasting legacies.

On behalf of FIH and in my personal name, I’d like to thank every volunteer for their tireless work, boundless energy, and unwavering belief in the power of hockey. They are the heartbeat of our sport, and we celebrate them not just today, but every day.”

The Pan American Hockey Federation has nominated Pilar Burundarena (ARG/PAR) and Aaron Finer (USA) for their spirit and dedication to hockey.

Pilar Burundarena, embodies the true spirit of dedication and service. Originally from Argentina and now residing in Paraguay, Pilar has proven her unwavering commitment as a volunteer during the South American Games (ODESUR) and the Special Olympics Latin America in October 2024. Her empathy, approachability, and readiness to assist at every moment made her an invaluable asset to these events. Her selfless efforts and supportive nature left a lasting impression, showcasing the incredible value of her contributions to the sporting community.

Aaron Finer is one of the most dedicated volunteer officers I have ever seen around hockey. He is a consummate professional in the medical field who is a qualified medical doctor and practices mostly in the sports medicine area of athlete preparation, injury prevention and rehabilitation. Once Aaron commits to the task, he goes about his duties with tireless energy. He enjoys what he does and never shies away from any task. Aaron is usually willing to work with anyone who is in need and has the true heart of a medical practitioner in this regard. Aaron is a valuable asset to the sport of hockey and any team to which he has committed.

The Oceania Hockey Federation has nominated Brendan Bon of Papua New Guinea and Lyn Hill of Australia for the award.

Brendan Bon is an outstanding volunteer for the Papua New Guinea Hockey Federation, contributing as an umpire at six PNG National Championships, two Pacific Games (2015, 2023), and the 2014 FIH World League in Fiji. At the 2015 Pacific Games, he served as Assistant Umpire Manager, enhancing umpire development in PNG, and he continues to play a pivotal role in recruiting and training officials. Appointed Executive Director of PNG Hockey Federation in 2024, Brendan’s corporate expertise has bolstered sponsorship efforts for programs like Hook in4 Health, particularly its expansion into Lae, where he resides. A family man, Brendan cherishes hockey’s unifying spirit, highlighted by umpiring the 2023 Pacific Games Women’s Final, where his daughters represented PNG and won bronze.

Lyn Hill has dedicated her life to hockey development, excelling as a player, coach, umpire, and administrator, particularly in officiating and indoor hockey at club, state, and national levels. After playing for Queensland Country and Rockhampton in the 1970s, Lyn became a respected umpire, earning the Australian Umpires Badge in 1987 and officiating at prestigious events, including the inaugural Indoor World Cup final in 2003. A skilled mentor and educator, she has guided officials across all levels and continues as Chair of the Hockey Queensland Umpiring Committee and HA Appointments Panel. Lyn’s contributions extend to Oceania, where she developed pathways for Hockey5s officials and volunteered at key events like the 2019 Oceania Cup.

The Asian Hockey Federation has nominated Manoj Kumar Prasad (India) and Urmanova Guzal (Kazakhstan) for their stellar contribution towards developing the next generation of hockey players in Asia.

Manoj Kumar Prasad has been instrumental in identifying and nurturing hockey talent from remote areas, providing platforms, guidance, and training. He discovered and mentored players like Salima Tete, who now captains the Indian Women’s Hockey Team. Apart from Salima Tete, players like Sangeeta Kumari, Deepika Soreng, Ropni Kumari, Rajni Kerketta, Neeru Kullu, Sushma Kumari, Alka Dungdung, and Alpha Kerketta have made it to the Indian team. His initiatives include organizing district-level tournaments, introducing English and computer classes for players, and constructing hockey fields through community efforts. He also engages youths from Naxal-affected areas, integrating them into hockey and guiding many to state and national levels. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he supported players with nutrition and mental encouragement. Beyond sports, he promotes social causes like environmental conservation.

Urmanova Guzal from Kazakhstan exemplifies the spirit of volunteerism through remarkable contributions to hockey. With a key role in youth development for both boys and girls, and experience volunteering in events like the U-21 Women’s Jr. AHF Cup and Men’s Indoor Asia Cup, she has been instrumental in organizing national and international matches, fostering the growth of the sport.

The African Hockey Federation has nominated Helen McBean of Zimbabwe and Johann Weyhe of Namibia for the award.

Helen McBean has always been a volunteer and good helper in many African tournaments organized by Zimbabwe, until she was diagnosed with cancer (still under treatment – Immunotherapy & Chemotherapy). This recognition will be very good for her medical case.

Johann Weyhe has always been, and still is, a dedicated volunteer and a passionate hockey lover. During the recent Indoor Africa Cup, he was outstanding and all stakeholders were talking about how he is a one-of-a-kind passionate volunteer with endless giving whether by dedicating his time or his effort (physical and mental).

EuroHockey has nominated Miquel Cunill of Spain and Cathelijne Rockall of France for the award.

Miquel Cunill was the host with the most for the incredible EuroHockey Under-21 Championships this summer at Atlètic Terrassa. He led a team of 130 local volunteers for one of the major highlights of the European summer with 10 days and 40 games showcasing some of the best rising talents from the continent. The club welcomed thousands of visitors to the event, including a spectacular sold out finals day in the Spanish sunshine.

Cathelijne Rockall is nominated for her phenomenal work on the Paris Olympics side events. She played a key part in the French Federation’s efforts – in conjunction with the FIH – who brought hockey alive for 25,000 visitors to the Yves-de-Manoir Stadium. The main focus was a high octane sports initiation zone with 100 sticks and balls and mountains of energy that greeted visitors to the Olympic hockey venue for 15 days in a row. It included masterclasses from Olympians, autograph signings, interacting with new and old fans, giving all a chance to give the sport a try and inspire a new audience with Cathelijne a central piece from the French host’s team.

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Source: FIH.hockey