On the occasion of the FIH Diversity and Inclusion Day (30 November 2024), the global hockey community is invited to reinforce its commitment to some of the most important values in sport, and society.
The third edition of this yearly Day reminds us how essential these values are to our sport and its community. Quite appropriately, it comes only a few weeks after hockey’s world governing body launched its Women in Hockey Empowerment Project – a transformative platform designed to uplift and engage female players, coaches, officials, and leaders in the sport – that is being promoted under the banner #MadeForHockey.
This year, FIH President Tayyab Ikram, FIH Players of the Year Yibbi Jansen and Harmanpreet Singh, FIH Goalkeepers of the Year Ye Jiao and PR Sreejesh, FIH Coach of the Year Alyson Annan, FIH Umpire of the Year Steve Rogers, FIH Honorary Member and Chair of the Gender Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Committee Marijke Fleuren, FIH Athletes Committee Chair Camila Caram, Olympian Onthatile Zulu, Hockey ID players Martin Plaza de los Reyes and Nil Ferre Martin-Borregon have all lent their voices to record the following message in a joined video clip:
Today is FIH Diversity and Inclusion Day.
No matter your gender …
No matter your ethnic background …
No matter your physical or intellectual abilities …
No matter your sexual orientation …
No matter your age …
… EVERYONE is welcome in hockey!
Diversity is wealth.
Inclusion must be the norm.
WE ARE ALL #MadeForHockey!
Commenting on the FIH Diversity and Inclusion Day, FIH President Tayyab Ikram said: “Diversity and inclusion are core values of society and intrinsic to sport in general and hockey in particular. Nevertheless, we must constantly remember how essential these values are, and also how fragile. Therefore, it is up to all of us to preserve and promote them. Hockey can contribute positively to society by fostering inclusivity, promoting diversity, and building strong communities. Our mission is to make hockey accessible to everyone.
I thank all the stakeholders in the global hockey community who, through their tireless and passionate work, magnify these values on a daily basis. I am thinking first and foremost of the clubs and educators.
I encourage everyone to do even more to make all feel welcome in our wonderful hockey family. Since we are all … #MadeForHockey!”
#MadeForHockey
