Eleven nations attend Ice Sledge Hockey Sport Forum

Eleven countries attended the Ice Sledge Hockey Sport Forum ©Getty Images

Representatives from 11 nations took part in the International Paralympic Committee’s (IPC) Ice Sledge Hockey Sport Forum which was held in the Slovakian capital city Bratislava.

One of the key goals of the meeting was to introduce the participants to statistical software, which is being used throughout World Series matches, in order to increase the understanding of it.

Countries are required to use the software, which aims to allow timely publication of results and statistics for players as well as the overall match, for their events to be a part of the World Series.

The IPC hope additional explanation will result in more countries applying to have their national competitions sanctioned, with the system seen as being an ideal way to help promote and develop the sport.

Additionally, those in attendance received updates on topics including competitions, development, officiating and classifications from the IPC Ice Sledge Hockey Technical Committee.

Group sessions focusing on boosting sponsorship and fundraising, the development of club competitions, women’s teams, the evolution of youth camps and the equipment required for the sport were also held as part of the Forum.

The youth development camp will see 24 athletes take to the ice in Germany ©Getty Images

Boosting the number of referees for national level matches was acknowledged as a key goal for each of the countries present, while discussions over potential fixtures for the World Series was also high on the agenda at the two-day meeting.

Each of the participants also attended a dinner hosted by the Slovakian Paralympic Committee, with the next scheduled Forum set to be held during the spring of 2016.

The meeting was held prior to the first IPC Ice Sledge Hockey youth development camp, which is set to take place from October 29 to November 1 and will see 24 aspiring players from eight countries take part in Langenhagen, Germany.

Taking part are players aged between 14 and 21-years-old, who will complete in two on-ice and two off-ice sessions per day at the Eishalle Langenhagen, with the off-ice sessions covering gym training and stick handling.