Stockey the stork is the official mascot of the Rabobank Hockey World Cup 2014. The bird, with its characteristic beak, was recently welcomed in the Kyocera Stadium by The Hague city council alderman Karsten Klein. The tournament will take place in the stadium, home to football club ADO Den Haag, between May 31 and June15, 2014. Stockey will be touring the Netherlands during the run-up to the big event, to spread the word about this international festival of hockey.
Let’s celebrate hockey
The best 24 men and women’s teams in the world will compete for the World Cup in June 2014. Fifteen teams have already secured a place at the event (for more information on the confirmed qualifiers, please click here). The two-week event consists of 76 top flight matches but is more than just a sport showcase. Local hockey clubs and the city council have developed a wide range of complimentary activities, ranging from street tournaments and clinics to musical performances and culinary events. Fans from all over the world will be united under the motto ‘Let’s celebrate hockey’.
Stockey is welcome
The Hague alderman Karsten Klein, responsible for sport, youth and welfare, was the first to welcome Stockey on his arrival in The Hague. He was joined in the welcome committee by ADO Den Haag’s mascot Storky, as well as Dutch hockey internationals Naomi van As and Bob de Voogd.
‘We are proud such a great event as the Hockey World Cup is coming to The Hague,’ Klein said. ‘The Hague will be the hockey capital of the world for a few weeks and that is something to celebrate, not just inside the stadium, but outside with everyone from the city itself. It’s fantastic that Stockey has come to lend a hand. His cousin Storky has stolen our hearts – he was even given an official commendation last month. And having two storks in the Kyocera Stadium can only bring extra luck for all the participants.’
World Cup tram
Stockey was given a guided tour of the Kyocera Stadium, where preparations are already underway for the Rabobank Hockey World Cup. During the summer football hiatus, the pitch has already been made ready for artificial turf. After the stadium tour, Stockey had a ride in the official World Cup tram. It has been painted World Cup colours and from now on will be part of the regular tram service in The Hague.
Dutch tour
World Cup mascot Stockey will be making guest appearances all over the Netherlands during the 2013-14 hockey season. He’ll be attending matches, clinics and other hockey events, drumming up support to ensure the Rabobank World Cup is a fantastic festival of hockey. He’ll also be working together with Dutch internationals to raise money for the youth sport charity Jeugdsportfonds. This is a charity which helps make the sporting dreams of children from less well-off families a reality. From November you will be able to buy a cuddly version of Stockey and part of the proceeds will go to the charity. You can check out Stockey’s plans on the Rabobank Hockey World Cup 2014 website from the beginning of the new season.
The Rabobank Hockey World Cup for men and women takes place in the Kyocera Stadium in The Hague from May 31 to June 15, 2014. The Dutch hockey association KNHB is organising the event on behalf of the International Hockey Federation FIH in cooperation with the city of The Hague, the Dutch ministry of health, welfare and sport, main sponsor Rabobank and partners, sponsors and suppliers of the FIH and KNHB.
For more information about the tournament, ticket sales and the organisation, please go to www.rabobankhockeyworldcup2014.com. You can follow the latest news on Twitter: @RHWC2014.
