During the Hockey World League (HWL) Rounds 1 and 2, FIH challenged hosts to stage innovative sports events, with cash prizes on offer to those who either excelled in the promotion of their events or for those who created the best looking events.
The incentive was provided to encourage and empower hosts to do all that they can to help make their events exciting and entertaining for everyone involved in them - from athletes and officials to the thousands of spectators who attended.
Following reports and feedback about each event, two hosts were awarded with prizes from HWL Round 1 events, and three from Round 2.
Round 1 hosts Siauliai in Lithuania were the first to receive a prize after their efforts resulted in exceptional media attendance. This translated into widespread coverage - not only in terms of traditional media but also through social media as well.
Sveti Ivan Zelina in Croatia also picked up a prize for outstanding promotional activity throughout the city in the lead up to the tournament, including a number of giant billboards, which resulted in hundreds of fans coming along to the games each day.
Round 2 host Montevideo in Uruguay received another one of the cash prizes as they also ensured their event was packed-out. A key contribution to this was the thousands of passionate fans who turned out to cheer on their national hockey team throughout the competition.
Dublin, Ireland also brought a lot of attention to their event, helped by the visit of Irish President, Michael Higgins. They also engaged extensively with the local community as their women's national team visited local schools, promoting the event and inspiring hundreds of young people to get involved in hockey.
New Delhi in India was the third Round 2 host to be rewarded, primarily for their high level of organisation, which led to an extremely enjoyable event for both athletes and spectators. This in turn helped promote women's hockey in India, inspiring many more women to get involved in the sport.
This is the latest initiative introduced by FIH as part of the Hockey Revolution which aims to raise the global status and popularity of hockey.
One of the key goals of FIH is to develop innovative and exciting entertainment events, with the events mentioned above contributing towards this overall aim.
For more about this, visit the Hockey Revolution pages on FIH.ch by clicking here.
Source: FIH
