Between 6th and 14th November 2010, one of the most important FIH Congress and Forum in recent times will take place the beautiful Swiss town of Montreux, on the banks of Lake Geneva.
The FIH Congress and Forum has always been a hugely significant week for our sport. Taking place every two years, the event brings Executive Board members, Committee members, FIH Staff as well as Continental Federation and National Association representatives together to put in place plans that will ensure hockey keeps moving forward.
This particular Congress and Forum takes on special significance, as important decisions need to be made regarding the restructuring of the International Hockey Federation. Also, relationships between the world governing body and the Continental Federations (CFs) will be reinforced with the CFs developing hockey on their continent in line with the FIH Strategic Plan.
Some of the proposals will undoubtedly lead to the modernization of the FIH, making it a more efficient, streamlined organisation. Modernization and innovation will also be important aspects in this year's Forum. Themed "Shaping a Successful Future for Our Sport", the Forum will explore the topic of strategic activities, including possible approaches, aims and opportunities in a sports-wide context as well as within the FIH community. The Forum will feature an outstanding panel of presenters including International Olympic Committee (IOC) Sports Director Christophe Dubi, Association of Summer Olympic International Federations (ASOIF) Director Andrew Ryan, International Basketball Federation (FIBA) Secretary General Patrick Baumann and England Hockey Chief Executive, Sally Munday.
The FIH believes that it is important to have as many representatives from Continental Federations and National Associations at the Congress and Forum as possible. This will allow us to work together to tackle the challenges and strengthen the base of hockey throughout the world, while underlining the need for the whole hockey family to work together to develop hockey in those National Associations which are struggling to take the next big step to compete with established nations. The majority of our member National Associations need greater resources, including finance, manpower and transfer of knowledge.
The FIH encourages delegates present in Montreux to express their views, especially at the Forum. We want delegates to be part of the planning and implementation to secure the FIH vision for the future. Healthy and constructive discussions can only serve to improve the standards, and greatly welcome contributions from all delegates.
During Congress & Forum week, the FIH will be announcing the host countries for the Men's and Women's FIH World Cups, which will take place in 2014. As previously announced, the FIH has received two bids for the showpiece events, with England and The Netherlands both giving a clear commitment to stage the tournaments. The winners of the FIH Players of the Year and Young Players of the Year will also be announced. A full statement about this award will be made later this week.
