Thursday, September 19, 2013

All Angola 2013 World Cup matches broadcasted on WebTV and TV

The Dream is almost getting True!


Angola will debut against South Africa in less than 48 hours.


And the news that all roller hockey fans that can't be in Luanda and Namibe's Arenas, was already confirmed by FIRS.

All the matches will have at least WebTV broadcasting on FIRS TV.

Unfortunately until now only National TV Channels from Angola, Portugal, Spain and Italy confirmed the TV broadcasting of the respective teams.


http://www.rollersports.org/RollerSports/content/webtv.html
All Matches, Opening and Closing Ceremony

Attention to watch matches in NAmibe you should go to this link:
http://www.rollersports.org/content/webtv_flash.html


SCHEDULE OF MATCHES IN LUANDA LINK
SCHEDULE OF MATCHES IN NAMIBE LINK






1. Angola Matches
http://www.tpai.tv/live








2. Portugal Matches
http://www.tvtuga.com/rtp-2/







3. Italy Matches
http://www.raisport.rai.it/








4.Spain Matches (Alberto Borregan Comments)
http://www.rtve.es/teledeporte/





If do you know some more TV let us know!!

Come to all Social Networks and talk about this Amazing Sport and this amazing Event!!!

Firs Website 
Twitter 
Facebook
Hoqueipatins.com 
Hockeypista.it 


Read also the article about the Future of African Roller Hockey, Cameroon and Mozambique:
http://rolling-together.blogspot.com/2013/09/is-time-for-africa-in-roller-hockey.html
 


Saturday, September 14, 2013

Is Time for Africa... in Roller Hockey

Rolling Together is not death :)
Due to my professional situation is being difficult to find time for roller hockey.
But the current roller hockey time obliges me to write about the unbelievable event that is coming next weekend  on our sport:

The 41st Roller Hockey World Cup, for the first time ever in Angola and in Africa.


The roller hockey fans still don't believe about the two Arenas where the matches will take place, in Luanda and Namibe. Two new Cathedrals for roller hockey is what all of us hope, something like the "African Aldo Cantoni" (Roller Hockey "Cathedral" in San Juan) .

Arena de Luanda, The new Roller Hockey Planet
 
Arena do Namibe










The Championship will start next Friday, 20th September with an African derby between Angola and South Africa, at 20:00 (local time +1GMT).
And what better for the first African World Cup than a match between two African countries.
This article is really about this dream to see this Continent rolling for hockey. A Continent with a lot of opportunities for our sport but still with some disorganization, lack of financial resources, including places to play, material to play, sport know-out...

Roller Hockey needs Africa Dream


But we hope this event can change forever the actual moment of roller hockey in Africa, and why not in all World.

Some "Roller Hockey Dreams" are already taking place in Africa and I'm sure you will be aware with them.  

1. Cameroon On for Roller Hockey in 2014

Kouokam Pa'Hom Dream comes true next year


An incredible dream is coming true day by day on the head of the great Kouokam Pa'Hom. Since young he had the crazy dream of being able to play for it country, Cameroon. And because this is more than a dream he started to think how to turn it real.

Wheels and Wheels to put Cameroon Rolling
"Roller hockey is a great sport whose practice has had a very important place in my life, this sport has given me troubles, but the joys that I have made are comparableness; early years in this club Mont St Aignan, who was (and remains) for a long time as a second home, and then the first step to Nationale 1 (1st French League) with Noisy le Grand debuting the European Story of this club, and finally the pleasure of being able to touch the highest level in the most prestigious French club,  the SCRA St Omer.  

Today, it is time to make all this Fund-rising. I've always a crazy dream of being able to play for my country Cameroon, unworkable, but today I want to share roller hockey in my country. Cameroon is a country located in the Gulf of Guinea wedged between Nigeria, Chad, Congo and Gabon, the king of sports is of course football. Not only by choice or lack of resources but also by lack of diversity in sport.This dream is becoming a reality thanks to a multi-sports facility located in Douala, led by Mr Djitta. Already offering his services to football, tennis and sports outings, the structure now wants to diversify and incorporate roller hockey for 2014!  

Skates waiting for Cameroon future Players
This is a great news for our sport. After Angola, Mozambique, South Africa and Egypt, it will therefore fifth African country, and a 36th country in the world practicing roller hockey. In this Olympic period, we must keep in mind that with more countries playing hockey, greater are the chances to see hockey in Olympic Games. Launch this kind of new activity, and in a country unaccustomed to fund sport in addition, is a challenge that requires a significant amount of equipment, new or used. It is able to cope I therefore appeal to everyone from the roller-hockey: 
 We need sticks, wheels, shoes, hilled, bearings, pads, balls, matter state even if they seem you useless. and all sizes. Then you can choose between giving me or selling them to me. How do I send the material? Just entrust the various sponsors of the operation or myself. These sponsors then charge it to me. On this page, we will keep you regularly informed of arrivals in stock.In advance thank you to all of you, is counting on you to, hockey in Cameroon in 2014!

 Sponsors of the operation: Vanessa Daribo Anthony Leroux, Mathieu Ruckebush, Flora Michoud Godard.



In my opinion this is an unique Project that must me copied not only in Africa, but also in Asia and Latin America. Visit this incredible project on Facebook Page and see how the Dream is getting Real day by day. 
https://www.facebook.com/OkCameroun2014


2. Hockey spreading in Mozambique

Bamboos Sticks?? why not when there's nothing more to play??

If there's one African country with tradition in our Sport it is Mozambique. Since the Portuguese colonial time, roller hockey had an important place in Mozambican sport life. After than the Portuguese left the country and due to the civil war the situation worsened. In the past years roller hockey was most concentrated in 4 Maputo's clubs: Desportivo, Frerroviário, Estrela Vermelha and Liga Muçulmana. Fortunately and probably also because of the success of Mozambique in last World Club (4th place, best ever for an African country), some young players from another regions of the country started to dream also about being one day in their National team... 
Thus, at this moment there are 2 clubs growing and growing each day in the cities of Quelimane and Nampula. It's increadible the willing of this young players, that even with lack of resources don't give up and keep training and playing each week.
As you imagine also them need a lot of new or used stuff. If you want to keep their dream of playing one day for the national team get in touch with them or with the "Great" Bruno Pimental, Mozambican Federation Member and responsible for the massification of the sport in another regions.

Visit Quelimane Facebook Page on
https://www.facebook.com/patinagem.quelimane

Match between Quelimane and Nampula

Because when we have a FIRS that doesn't care about our Sport, only the people that really loves it can put the World playing this Sport. Keep Dreaming!!

Thursday, May 30, 2013

Best European League Final 4 ever Live on TV this Weekend



Gold Medal Final TODAY!!!!!!!!!!!
Sunday 2nd June, 17.00h (local time, GMT 0)
FC PORTO IMPÉRIO BONANÇA – SL BENFICA (live RTP*, Porto Canal, CERH TV)

+++ALL MATCHES WILL BE BROADCASTED LIVE WEB STREAMING
(AND ESCLUSIVE RIGHTS) ON WWW.CERH.EU+++"


Hey roller hockey fellows! If you love this sport this weekend you have a thousand reasons to stay at home and enjoy roller hockey pleasure for some time. With the 4 greatest teams in Europe this season already found, the European League will have a new champion this year, succeeding to Liceo da Coruna.

I'm almost sure that you know each of this teams but it is always good to remember again:

-FC Porto, the host team, with some of the great Portuguese players nowdays. The King Reinaldo Ventura, with one of the strongest shoots all over the World, Ricardo Barreiro with all it great skills and champion last 2 years with Coruna and "Caio" with all it speed and technician want to bring to Porto this trophy after 20 years since the last time.
-SL Benfica, the eternal rival from Lisbon, with the young but already World star player Diogo Rafael, the experience from the captain Valter Neves and the Argentinian strength from Steban Abalos wish to turn real the dream of winning the biggest hockey competition in Europe.
-FC Barcelona, with the artistic inspiration of Pablo Albarez, with the goal instint of Marc Torra, and with the giant goalkeeper Sergi Fernandez, want to confirm why Barcelona is the most succeesful team on the big hockey club competition (19 titles!!).
-Valdagno, with the unique Pedro Gil, the goal precision of Carlos Nicolia, and the powerfull shot of Sérgio Silva want to take to Italy for the second time ever the EuroLeague Cup, and show to the World that Italy is again rolling among the best.

Who will take the trophy this year??
And of course the most important thing for you, that probably can't watch live in Porto's rink, all matches will be broadcast by several TV, WebTV channels.

Here you have the transcript text from CERH Facebook Page with all info and links to TV:

"EUROLEAGUE FINAL FOUR SCHEDULE
1st Semifinal
Saturday 1st June, 15.00h (local time, GMT 0)
FC BARCELONA 4–5 SL BENFICA (live RTP2, TV3 Catalunya-only in Spain available)

2nd Semifinal
Saturday 1st June, 18.00h (local time, GMT 0)
FC PORTO IMPÉRIO BONANÇA 8–6 RECALAC VALDAGNO (live RTP2, Porto Canal . Pre-recorded broadcast Rai Sport 2-22.00h )
If some TV links doesn't work check the biggest roller hockey website that also as a special attendance for this great competition!! http://www.hoqueipatins.com/ 

Roller Hockey the best Hockey Sport!!! 
Don't waste this opportunity to see some of the best players on the greatest club competition!!!

Saturday, May 25, 2013

Mozambique hosts 2017 Roller Hockey World Cup

"Cumbinha" at this time will be a reality!
It's even 4 years for 2017 but CIRH already announced that Mozambique will have again the opportunity to organized the World biggest Roller Hockey competition. After the problems in 2011 to assure the best conditions to organize the championship (the organization moved to San Juan-Argentina), this time Mozambique can't fail and sure will be the second African nation to receive the best roller hockey countries of the World.
There isn't already to much information about this news, but still is one more big step for the development of our sport in this great and future continent.
Mozambique is a country with a great tradition in our sport that is still searching for a new opportunity of development of this discipline. After the 4th place in 2011 the World stayed stupefact, how this team could get such place, almost without any support and preparation.

 On the news advanced by Mozambican newspaper (O País) Mozambique needs 3 rinks to host the championship. One, will be the main arena, while the other two will receive the practices of each team.

Only in 2014 the contract between CIRH and Mozambican Federation will be signed.

Seems that CIRH is betting strong in Africa this decade, but nevertheless we can't forget that only organize competions is enough. If we really want to see more this sport played in Africa, a huge plan of promotion and massification must be prepared. Last year was created CIRH Comittee for Africa Continent but until now there were any signals of work done...

We hope with 2013 Angola World Championship the things can start soon to change in the Continent of Opportunities!!

2013-Angola 2015 France 2017 Mozambique!!!


Let's Go Mozambique!! This Time You will did it!!

Source of News: O País
Mozambican Federation Website 
Wikipage about Roller Hockey World Cup

Sunday, May 19, 2013

Barcelona plays in Shopping Center

This time was Barcelona showing an awesome example, about what can be done to promote our Sport.
During one day, some of the best World roller hockey players went to a Barcelona's shopping center and played roller hockey with some young players.


Such a simple event can gives a lot of visibility to our sport.
It is more than time to Federations, clubs, players, coaches and brands get unified and promote our sport as it deserves.

Competitions like European League Final 4 must be broadcasted in some of the most important World Sport Channels. I'm sure with a good organization we could reach such an important goal.
Also the Angolan World Cup should have this opportunity. For example the 2009 World Cup held in Vigo and Pontevedra was broadcasted by Aljazeera sport channel.
Would be good to see them again promoting roller hockey.
Since the World Cup will be held in Africa for the first time a lot of efforts should be done to introduce our sport in other African countries. This is a unique opportunity to show roller hockey in Africa

I hope CIRH, CERH, and each competition organization can think about this, and copy promoting events as the one from Barça. A sport that has clubs like Benfica, Barcelona, Porto, Liceo, Sport Recife and River Plate should be in other step of development.

Let's hope that soon the responsible entities can change the way of roller hockey!!!

Thursday, May 9, 2013

Rolling Together visites RHC Basel

I still don't know how to skate, so I will not be the new star

Probably some of you doesn't know my name (Ricardo Henriques) and where I come from (Portugal).
For the first time ever roller hockey crossed my professional life. Since some weeks I started to work in Basel, and during these days I'm living in Bed&Breakfast accommodation.
In 1 to 10000 probabilities I am living with a Basel roller hockey player. Isn't it curious??
Thus, I was receiving some lessons of Basel roller hockey history, and also I was talking about international roller hockey with him. Concerning RHC Basel, Rolling Together reported 2 years ago the reappearance of this team.
RHC Basel got in 1985 it unique Swiss championship, being part of that team talent young players, where my host was also part of it. Althouhgt some years after in 1992 a tragic accident caught the team and most of the players got hard injuries. After this, the spirit and physic conditions to play roller hockey went away and the team stopped to play (luckily my host wasn't in that car, and still can play roller hockey).
However in this area of Europe still some important German teams that play roller hockey like Weil-am-Rhein and RHC Friedling kept the passion for this sport alive while Basel didn't have team.

RHC Basel prepares it final attack to NLA
RHC Friedling European polemic was good for Basel team
Some of you heard about the polemic situation between CERH and RHC Friedling last year: they were Swiss Champion and had the right to play European League, but since they were from Germany, CERH didn't allow such participation (Geneve conquer the right to play). Due to this the main sponsor of the team was very annoyed with CERH and Swiss Federation and gave up from Friedling hockey project.
Nevertheless the people and players from this successful team rise up and reinforced Basel Team. At this moment we can say that Basel has again and after so many years a very strong team prepared to fight for Swiss Championship in some years. 

Last Saturday, I went to see the practice and found a very international team with German (some of them from national team), Spanish, French and of course Swiss players. At this moment, they are disputing the NLB/NLA qualifying phase, with Uttingen, Dornbirn and Vordemwald, occupying the 2nd position which gives them the right to play the main Swiss League next year.


Welcome Back Home Basel
From now Basel will play at Home after 20 years
Until now Basel club had a big difficulty regarding the place to play since they were playing in Friedling rink and some times practicing in Weil-am-Rhein. Happilly recently they received a great news and from now they will start to play in it "Nest", the place were almost all 1985 Champions born to this sport:
Genossenschaft Rollschuh Sport Halle RSH.
I'm sure that playing at home they will get the support from Basel people and probably the young people would gain again, and after a long time, the interest to learn one of the best sports of the World. 

The plan for the next matches is already known, and if you live in this area don't loose the opportunity to see the final matches of NLB qualifying championship:









25-05-2013 18:00 RHC Vordemwald RHC Vordemwald - : -
RHC Basel RHC Basel

01-06-2013 17:00 RHC Basel RHC Basel - : -
RSC Uttigen RSC Uttigen








08-06-2013 17:00 RHC Basel RHC Basel - : -
RHC Dornbirn RHC Dornbirn









I really hope that big cities like Bern and Zurique could have also good teams in NLA soon, and sure more young teams could appear in Swiss hockey...

Discover RHC Basel story was such a good example that we can't give up from our passions and of course wouldn't be possible without such coincidence of living with this "skating family" :)
Now it's time to support Basel my new Roller Hockey team!!

All info about RHC Basel:
RHC Basel Website
RHC Basel Facebook Page
News Article about RHC Basel at Sportnw.ch
NLB/NLA info at rh-news.com

Watch the Video of Basel's last match agains Wimmis fro the 1/4 finals Swiss Cup (lost 3:2 on Golden Goal)

Saturday, April 20, 2013

CERH TV - A Dream Coming True

Important agreement signed between Cerh and Dartfish.tv

The meeting between Cerh President Fernando Graça, 2nd v. presidente Cesare Ariatti, J.P. Piemontesi and Dartfish manager
On the 31st. of March 2013, in Montreux, Switzerland, CERH signed an important agreement with DARTFISH., the Swiss company that has the technical and organisational rights of a specific television platform, which will be used by CERH TV for the production and dissemination of images of the different European roller hockey events. l'or the achievement of this important agreement, it is important to highlight the work carried out by the CERH Member, Mr. Jean Baptiste Piemontesi , who was responsible for the negotiations undertaken with DARTFISH.
With this link to the DARTFISH platform, the CERH will be able to launch a new initiative — the CERH TV - that will broadcast, live and via web streaming, all the main European Rink Hockey events. I stress the fact that CERH TV will insure the live transmission of all games of the quarter-finals of the European League, as well as all the Final 4 matches of all European club competitions, in particular, the remale Cup, the CERS Cup and the European league. In addition, can also be displayed on CERH TV all the games of the 11-17 Male European Championship and of the European Women Championship, both of them to be held in September.
To operationalize these productions, the clubs will have to ensure - through an application to give free of charge by CERH — the loading of images of their games on the CERH TV platform, whose videos will be immediately available for viewing by all users, which could make the upload from the entire match or just from its highlits.
The DARTFISH platform could also be made available, under conditions of hiring very favourable, to all the National Federations, which will be able to take advantage of the capacity of this DARTFISH platform to upload and watch videos of the games of their national rink hockey competitions. In this way and through a specific software programme — and the support of very simple applications -preselected images may be used, in the light of the selection criteria that is freely established - for example, the goals scored, the penalties or the direct free hits,the referees disciplinary sanctions, or the most interesting or controversial actions during the game — insuring, that way, the use a very useful tool for the analysis and/or production of specific jobs, to be developed by the technical staff, athletes, referees and its managers, in particular:
  • The studies carried out by the coaches, involving technical and tactical aspects of any game, either in collective terms or in individual terms (team analysis and/or players evaluations)
  • An assessment from the Referees Committees, concerning the performance shown by the referees during the matches
The feasibility of this agreement with DARTFISH, also allows CERH TV to ensure to all the passionate lovers of Rink I{ockey a broader access to the images of the European competitions, either through live broadcasts or through the videos that will be available.
It is, thus, a revolution in the field of the rink hockey television dissemination, allowing the CERH sustain service levels that are so important and necessary to the support and development of our beloved sport ... Now and in the future!
The link of the new channel is: video.cerh.eu or www.dartfish.tv/cerh 

TODAY LIVE-BROADCAST OF 1/4 FINALS OF EUROPEAN LEAGUE

Liceo la Coruna 2-2 Barcelona  at 20.00  Also on TV Galicia 



Noia 3-3 Benfica   at 20.30  Radio Sant Sadurni
Reus 3-2 Porto   at 21.30 Naciodigital.cat
Igualada 2-3 Valdagno  at 20.30  Radio Igualada

Spanish and Italian Time


All info about Results, Photos, videos on
https://twitter.com/
http://hoqueipatins.com/
http://www.cerh.eu
CERH Facebook Profile

Thursday, April 18, 2013

A New Year for Dutch-Belgium Roller Hockey

Who says that Netherlands and Belgium don't have National Championship this year??

Once again the National Championship takes place in 7 different days:
.27th April
.16th June
.22nd/29th or 30th June
.24th, 25th August
.1st September
.29 september
.10 november

 This year will compete the follow 6 teams from Netherlands and Belgium:

-RC de Lichtstad    
-EHRC Marathon  
-RV Brunssum/VRC
-Kon. Modern SCW
- Zaanse Roller Club

This is a great opportunity to develop again our sport in such countries. European roller hockey needs urgent to have more young players from it.

Watch the Presentation

All info at:
http://www.rolhockey.com
Nederlandse-Rollersports Facebook Page

Friday, March 15, 2013

City Council leaves Papatoetoe RSC from New Zealand without Rink

The greatest Roller Hockey Club from New Zealand will not have Rink to play

One of the last matches at the NZ Roller Hockey Cathedral
Council force the successful community based sporting clubs - Papatoetoe Roller Sports Club, Sabres Inline Hockey Club and Auckland Roller Derby League - to look elsewhere for the future. 
Since 1963 The Papatoetoe Roller Sports Club has been operating in Wallace Road Papatoetoe.
The building is used every night of the week and most weekends, by more than three clubs and the public. The Papatoetoe Roller Sports Club is the most successful Roller Hockey Club in NZ History and also is the current holder of the NZ Club Champions Trophy. 
The local community board is going to use the buildings current location as a new road to allow 
access to more apartment and housing developments planned in the near future. The Clubs 
have not seen any plans and are unaware of the timeline suggested, although they have been 
told that the building must come down in May 2013.
With no other participating groups for these community minded sports in the South Auckland 
district, the council’s decision to move the groups away from this site makes finding a new 
venue extremely hard for all. And to make the blow even harder, they are removing genuine 
success from the area.
Image of the Rink
Going further down, this decision by the Council will put an unnecessary strain on the national association, as all the clubs affected by the demolition of this purpose built facility are at the top of their disciplines. 
The sporting arena has housed many teams and clubs at all levels but the forgotten users are 
the all-important kids and families from the local community. They will fare the worst from this decision, as the weekly ritual of going down to the (rink) for a skate, or going to learn to skate classes held on Wednesdays will no longer be available.
For all the thousands of local community users that have access to this building for more than fifty years - not only recreational and competitive skating, but other functions as well – the 
question arises “where too from now?”
The Council has not presented any relocation options for the Clubs or offered any financial 
assistance, even though the building is owned by the Papatoetoe Roller Sports Club. These 
Clubs are now being forced to look outside of their home community as they attempt to find a 
suitable facility, which will be a near impossible task given that the building requirement of 
more than 40 metres x 30 metres with no internal roof support posts, is a rare construction 
indeed.

Papatoetoe Easter Tournament 2013

The Papatoetoe Club will be holding a farewell Tournament at Easter Weekend 2013 and has asked for all those skaters that have skated their or have fond memories of the club to come down and join in on the last weekend. This tournament will be the last at the "old" rink, and will happen from 29th to 31st March.  See more details on the Facebook event.
Invitation for all interested people

 



Opinion: It's not the first time that public authorities underrate our sport, but once again even if our sport it's not one of the biggest in the World, it history, tradition and beauty deserve respect.
The World can't be made only by major sports... 

Respect for Roller Hockey

More info at: 
Papatoetoe Roller Sport Club Facebook Page
http://www.rinkhockeynz.com

Source of info (don't forget to put a "like" on this news):
http://www.scoop.co.nz
http://auckland.scoop.co.nz

Thursday, March 7, 2013

New Roller Hockey Book-"50 Minuti di Gloria"


One more bible of Roller Hockey
Since the beginning of XX century that roller hockey started to write several pages of history.
Fortunately in last years some people started to transcribe all this history to books, something that wasn't done until nowadays. After the release of the Portuguese book "Campeonatos do Mundo de Hóquei em Patins-Contributos para a sua história", written by Fernando Castro, and edited by Despertar Memórias, now it's time for an Italian book about our favorite sport.


With the title "50' Minuti di Gloria", this amazing work was written by Paolo Virdi, and editted by Lodinotizie. This great work includes 2 Books, one from 1982 to 1996, and the other from 1997 to 2012.
The first book is available since September 2012, and since 8th March 2013 the collection is complete.
Although it is written in Italian this is a fantastic present for all roller hockey lovers all over the World.
You can buy each book for 16€ more shipping costs, or all books for 32€ more shipping costs on the follow website.

It is important to notice that one of the most famous roller hockey brand, Meneghini Hockey System supported this work.
And the question now is, when and from where will come the next Roller Hockey Book???

Even if some people like to ignore our roller sport, it history is bigger than this people!!!

Let's Roll Forever!!!

More info about the book at:
50' Minuti di Gloria Website
50' Minuti di Gloria Facebook Page


Sunday, February 24, 2013

Revolution in Roller Hockey World Organization

Participants of FIRS Congress (source: FIRS Facebook)
Yesterday, as expected, the Italian Mr. Sabatino was re-elected for 4 more years as FIRS president. The final voting was 151 votes for Mr. Sabatino, against 46 votes for Mr. George Kolibaba (from USA).
Concerning the vice-presidency, Mr. Armando Quintanilla, president of South America Roller Sports Confederation, was elected. With a very competitive election he won with a great "vote finish", with 81 votes against the 80 votes of Ms. Valery Leftwich (Australia).

But as Rolling Together reported last days, this congress was not only about elections... A very important subject was discussed this 23rd February. Thus from now, the CIRH organization and elections will change the format. The assembly will elect his director, who is responsible to present the candidates for each roller sports international committee.
After this presentation, it is the FIRS president who will nominate the president of each discipline committee including our CIRH.
It' is important to note that the candidates to director and other members must be supported by the respective federations.


U20 World Cup change again to Colombia

According to Colombian Federation website, it is expected to be official, this week, a ratification to give again the organization of U20 World Cup to Colombia.
In the first deliberation's opportunity of the FIRS congress, Colombian Federation by the voice of his president Alberto Herrera Ayala hold his protest, presented 15 days before, due to the decision took by CIRH president Mr. Harro Strucksberg, to change the organization to Germany (his country)
Mr. Ayala never accepted the decision of CIRH, confirming that in the next days FIRS will present and official letter. In his opinion this was an important result from the ordinary assembly of FIRS central committee, where Colombia got the restitution of his own rights.
Teleantioquia confirms that until now only Medellín and Barranquilla presented a candidature to host the World cup (watch the video).


Is Mr. Strucksberg alone in FIRS like in the photo?? (FIRS Facebook)
Harro Strucksberg against FIRS

Considering the information advanced by HockeyPista.it , Mr. Harro Strucksberg left the Congress room during the discussion of new FIRS Statutes. He is against the new statutes that according to him decrease the strength and independence of roller hockey from FIRS. Let's see how this story evolutes, and how will the actual CIRH president deal with FIRS power/interests, and of course the update about U20 World Cup...

PS: Will Finally FIRS support hockey, or just continue to worry about taking profits from television rights of the World Cup???

Info from:
http://www.fedepatin.org.co/script/hockeysp/publicaciones/pub.php?pub=570&tip=1
http://www.fedepatin.org.co/script/publicaciones/pub.php?pub=569&tip=1

Wednesday, February 20, 2013

More Space for Roller Hockey in next FIRS presidency??



Mr. Sabatino
After the application phase for candidacy for FIRS President and First Vicepresident has successfully been closed on January 23, FIRS  introduced to all the affiliated Federations the following nominations:

Candidates to FIRS Presidency  
·     Sabatino Aracu - FIHP (actual president)
·     George Kolibaba - USARS


Candidates to FIRS First Vicepresidency
·     Valerie Leftwich - Australia
·     Armando Quintanilla - Chile



Ms. Leftwich
Mr. Quintanilla
This important elections will be held next 23rd February 2013 at 10 am during FIRS Elective Congress in Rome in the Salone D’Onore del C.O.N.I., Foro Italico, Largo Lauro de Bosis 15.

Also there will be the FIRS Congress on the same day, with the proposal of the actual FIRS direction to change the FIRS Statutes.



This are important elections for the future of roller sports, and mainly to see if FIRS will start to support roller hockey or will continue with this strange politic, ignoring constantly our sport, comparing with other disciplines.

Also according to some sources, the new Statutes that Mr Sabatino and his Crew  are trying to approve, can put in risk the independence of each roller sport Committee (e.g.CIRH).

Rolling Together is waiting to see the results of this important elections, and possible talking between the present members. For example, we are imaging the conversation between Mr. Strucksberg, and Colombian Federation President about the U20 World Cup city.


 It will be possible to accomplish this entire day on FIRS TV Website.

Schedule (Italian Time, +1GMT):
9:30-  FIRS General Ordinary Congress: Broadcast test
10:00-FIRS General Ordinary Congress: President and Vice President Elections
14:30-FIRS General Ordinary Congress:FIRS Congress: Afternoon Session

Wednesday, February 13, 2013

Recruit, Develop and Retain-New Strategy for Australian Hockey

Stephen has been involved in Roller Hockey for more than 25 years,  with success at many levels. His Roller Hockey journey started as a young player based in Geelong Victoria, and from these humble beginnings, he progressed through the ranks and played for Victoria and Australia for many years.
Stephen also enjoyed time in Europe playing hockey for a number of clubs in Switzerland, Spain and Portugal. His proudest moments in his playing history was captaining the Australia Senior Men’s team at 5 World Championships along with numerous other international events from 1998 through to 2006.

Stephen Hoey holds a Masters in Business Administration and has more than 20 years of experience across a diverse range of industries.  Stephen ‘s focus is on the management  of  large projects incorporating dynamic teams and the delivery of key initiatives . He is currently employed by Australia Post as a senior manager.
Next you can read his message to the Australian Roller Hockey Community:


"Hello Roller Hockey Community,
As of January 2013 I have taken on the role as Chairman of Roller Hockey in Australia which
I am both honored and feel privileged to do so.

I would also like to take the opportunity to thanks the previous Australia Roller Hockey
committee for their contribution and in particular Jamie Reid for leadership and never ending
support for Roller Hockey – I look forward to working with Jamie in the future.

The future of Roller Hockey is in the hands of all of us – not 1 person, club, federation or
association has the responsibility to ensure the heath or growth of Roller Hockey in Australia,
the responsibility of Australian Roller Hockey is ours , the existing community and we need to
come together to rebuild and grow this fantastic sport.
The recent Australia Day Cup that was held in Melbourne demonstrated the community
strength. With more than 100 players coming together, over 200 spectators, including past
players, friends and family and media were present. It proved we have a great sport with
great people. I spoke to many people and discussed Roller Hockey and the priorities we
need to focus on, the common theme was participation and growth at all levels is required
which I couldn’t agree more. More impressively it was acknowledged that we all need to
come together and drive towards a common goal and that it is our responsibility – the
existing Roller Hockey Community. 
Our immediate focus has been to ensure stability across clubs, states with ensuring that both
Skate Australia and Skate Victoria are supporting Roller Hockey and its key objectives –
participation and growth. I am pleased to advise that Skate Australia have the best
interests of skate sports at heart and have agreed that Roller Hockey members and the
participation of players and teams will have no negative consequence for any affiliations with
non-recognised associations such as Skate Victoria.

In regards to key priorities for 2013 we have a lot to do. Roller Hockey Australia has the
following key objectives - increase the number of games, number of referees, number of
coaches and number of new players. These 4 components are key and crucial for our
success. To achieve our objectives we need a simple and direct strategy which I expect us
all to contribute.

The strategy is made up of 3 key stages: 
Stage 1: Recruit 
Stage 2: Develop 
Stage 3: Retain

Stage 1 - Recruit
This stage will focus on people – people at all levels and stages of Roller Hockey. We need
to focus on recruiting personal and players who are willing to contribute. 
New and existing players, coaches, referees, time keepers, clubs and supporters are our
focus. We will establish a strong foundation of people and players that ensure the operation
of Roller Hockey can continue without risk of an individual, club or association failing to
contribute. I encourage you all to look into your existing or past player pool of people for our
recruitment.

Stage 2 - Development 
Development of players, clubs, coaches, referees is vital for our success. We will continue to
create relevant development opportunities for all areas Roller Hockey. International
competition will be reintroduced onto our agenda, however in the next 12 to 24 months we
will be ensuring our local competition is strong and supported by strong clubs and officials. 
Stage 3 - Retain 
Retention of our players, officials and clubs is an area for improvement – our focus in stage 3
is to ensure we have the necessary structure and opportunities for individuals and clubs to
keep active and involved in our sport. We will achieve this increasing local competition, state
and international representation for players and officials.

In summary: our focus will be Recruit, Develop and Retain to ensure a foundation for
success is in place and that Roller Hockey can continue for years to come. I indicated earlier
this strategy is simple and direct and something we can all contribute to - our journey will
take a number of years and I encourage you all to participate and be active in Roller Hockey
where you have the passion and willingness to participate.
I look forward to the months and years ahead and hearing from you 
Regards
Stephen Hoey"

Text copied from Skate Australia

2013 Victorian Roller Hockey League Comp 
To prove this new Era of Australian Hockey will start in 24th February the 2013 Victorian Roller Hockey League Competition.The venue of this League will be Skate Victoria Rink "Exhibition Pavillion, Greaves Reserve, Dandenong Showgrounds, Dandenong".
According with the plan there will be 6 teams disputing the trophy: Mordi with 2 teams (the second a young team), Warrnambool, Lisport, Melbourne and Dangenong; and it will run for 6 months (1 League Day each month).

Don't miss the opportunity to LIKE the Australia Facebook Page and read all about this sport in Australia!!


Friday, February 1, 2013

A New Begginning for Mexican Roller Hockey


Amazing, Maravilloso!!! After a long journey of polemics, confusions and discussions, roller hockey in Mexico has a new beginning. After 6 years since last appearance in B World Cup, Mexico repeated it last November in Canelones (Uruguay) where classified in 8th position. Unlike the polemic participation of a Mexican national team in 2010 Women's World Cup (Alcobendas, Spain), with inline hockey players against FIRS rules, this time FEMEPAR (Mexican Roller Sports Federation) supported a Mexican team composed mostly by real roller hockey players.
This was a great development, which meant that finally FEMEPAR is defending our sport.
It is confirmed that FEMEPAR and AHPM have a deal to include roller hockey in events organized by the federation like: National Championship, Inter-Associations Tournament and FEMEPAR Cup. The unique condition is that the players to compete must be affiliated to a local Association recognized by FEMEPAR. Also the events organized by AHPM will be recognized by FEMEPAR after so many years without an official acceptance. Result of this important deal is the autorization of FEMEPAR to all official events use it own rinks. All these news were already known by CIRH President, Mr. Harro Strucksberg, who was one of the most involved person to solve all this giant problem.

Hope For a Great Future!!
It is confirmed that in some days a youth team will travel to Texas state in USA, to play one tournament, what is also a great news.


Rolling Together is very satisfied to see a happy end for all this Novel, since we were really committed with this story. Now it's time to develop our sport and PUT ALL PEOPLE TOGETHER without more wars in Mexico. Promoting this example  in other countries, where roller hockey still has some politic problems would be a great idea. Hopefully this could be an inspiring story!!!

Saturday, January 12, 2013

2013 World Cup U-20 organization flies from Colombia to Germany

preliminary World Cup logo (designed by Tim Graumann)
When everybody was expecting to see news from Colombia about the preparation of 2013 World Cup U-20 , today an unexpected news appeared on rh-news website: Iserlohn in Germany will host this World Cup.From 26.10. until 11.02.2013, Hemberghalle will receive the best of the future of our sport.
The confirmation of this change of plans was done this morning by Mr. Harro Strucksberg to ERG Iserlohn president,
Ralf Henke. 
 
According to Iserlohn website Argentina and Colombia lost the the application process, despite the great efforts by CIRH governing body. Thusthe competition returned to Europe, to Iserlohn. Ralf Henke doesn't want to appoint more reasons for the host city change, but is sure that they want to welcome both Argentines and Colombians national teams.

40 years after the Senior Championship of 1973 in Iserlohn, finally the Forest City
will host a roller hockey major event again . We, fans would like to see, almost all the next list of countries at the world cup: 
  1. From Europe: Spain (actual champion), Portugal, France, Italy, Netherlands, Andorra, England, Switzerland,Austria, Israel (hopefully).
  2. From America: Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Uruguay, Colombia, Mexico and USA. 
  3. From Asia: India, Japan and Macau 
  4. From Africa: Egypt, Angola, Mozambique and South Africa
  5. From Oceania: Australia and New Zealand.
"But it also means that now a lot of work in the next ten months, waiting for us," Henke also know that with the commitment by the FIRS great responsibility rests on the shoulders of the Germans. Because the cycle of - the last World Cup was held in Portuguese Barcelos - actually the South Americans would have their turn. "They could not agree, however, there were some inconsistencies across the Atlantic," Henke has brought in experience, so was waiting with the Tournament award relatively long.
During eight days Iserlohn will be the hub of roller hockey world, because the best U20 young players will be there: the 19-year-old Portuguese rh player Helder Nunes, the 17-year-old Frenchman Carlo Di Benedetto, or Italian Giulio Cocco apply (17) as a rising star, where a large international future is predicted.
After the 2013 A World Cup country change from Mozambique to Angola, due to financial problems, now it's the U-20 competition to have their own problems. We hope that all this incongruities don't deviate roller hockey countries and federations from the main Goal, a better future of Roller Hockey.

All info from:
ERG-Iserlohn.de 
RH-news.com