El Presidente de la IFF, TOMAS ERIKSSON, ha publicado su discurso de apertura del Mundial.
Distinguished guests and Floorball friends,
German Floorball plays an important role for international development, being a nation among the “big five” in Europe with good officials, and having organized top events, including IFF events, and having contributed to international development over many years. Saying this I convey to you, players, clubs, media, partners, and federation many thanks.
I am also looking forward coming again to Weissenfels where we meet already in 2001 for the very first WFC U19, we return again!
Two years ago we received the IOC recognition! We continue to grow, with now 52 member associations. The growth of licensed players has by international standards been tremendous, increasing with 10% annually in the countries that joined IFF in the last 5-10 years. In Germany the growth is even bigger, of which you all should be proud!
Looking at events, the implementation of the new international calendar has been a huge success. Already in the Czech Republic in 2008 there were over 100.000 spectators and 17 internationally televised matches. The follow up in Finland in 2010 meet with all possible expectations as well. Concerning the future of the WFC U19 we will continue to review the dates and the format of the organization. Germany will now again in Weissenfels organize this important event, which is a window presenting our sport, and I expect that we will see further boost for national German development as well as international development promoting these championships.
We continue to follow the three main strategic pillars laid out for 2020, political, development and marketing. The main political objective, which we are striving for, is to enter a multisport event like the Universiade, World Games or even the Youth Olympic Games. Here the role of the University Championships is important, with a broader participation. The successful development programme, of which Germany is an important partner, continues, with the goals to have more members, and stronger members, and in addition the implementation of the new WFC License System starts in 2012.
IFF is very pleased with the German Floorball Association and its strong development and good management. The IFF conveys our gratitude to Floorball Germany, its partners and the city of Weissenfels for organising the WFC U19.
Looking forward to seeing you all and a thrilling tournament,
Yours sincerely,
Tomas Eriksson
IFF President
