Watch the next video from the preparations of the WCH. We are starting!!!
There is only one day left until the beginning of the Ostrava 2019 World Para Hockey Championships. Eight of the world’s top para hockey teams are already preparing on the ice in Ostrava. The Ostravar Arena, the venue of the tournament, has undergone considerable transformations in recent days. For the needs of the championships, the staff of the arena adjusted the boards, substitution benches and penalty benches. “I have to say that we went through the area of the arena, dressing rooms, and the ice rink carefully, and the organizational team did a great job. Everything is ready for the championships. We also have our technical delegates, referees and IPC supervisors on site, ”said IPC manager Barbora Kohoutová.
“We’ve had several months of intensive preparation. We have managed to put together an incredible team of organizers who are excited about this tournament. Now the most important thing is in front of us- a great championship. This was our main mission, our goal. To show that para hockey is a very attractive sport for the disabled. It is a dynamic sport and we admire the commitment of every single player, ”said Jiří Šindler, Chairman of the Organizing Committee of the World Para Hockey Championships.
The Ostrava 2019 World Para Hockey Championships takes place with a significant financial contribution from the Moravian-Silesian Region and the City of Ostrava. “I am glad that it is once again confirmed that the Moravian-Silesian Region also supports sports of the handicapped. This is evidenced not only by this year’s team support by fans of para hockey players from Studénka, the purchase of a handbike for paraplegics, but also, for example, a partnership with such a prestigious championship, such as the World Para Hockey Championships. It is also proof that our region has a high potential and that such important events definitely belong here, ”said Ivo Vondrák, regional council president of the Moravian-Silesian Region.
The statutory city of Ostrava also significantly supported the championships. “One of the most important sporting events supported by Ostrava this year is the World Para Hockey Championships. What’s important is that the championships become an inspiration for people with disabilities to spend their free time actively. I personally appreciate the fact that several dozens of elementary and secondary schools have joined the Paralympic School Days project. The project brought the life of handicapped people closer to healthy children. They will be involved in the world championships as well. They will create fan bases for teams according to participating countries and they will cheer them during the Ostrava Championships. It creates a great atmosphere in the Ostravar Arena, ”said Tomáš Macura, Mayor of Ostrava.
The Ostrava 2019 World Para Hockey Championships start on April 27th at 9:00. The opening ceremony will be on the same day at 18:00. The gold medal match will be on May 4th at 4.30 pm.
