Volunteers are the quiet heartbeat of hockey. They umpire, organise, coach, information, uplift, and construct communities. They’re the primary to reach, the final to depart, and the explanation the game continues to develop in each nook of the world. On Worldwide Volunteer Day 2025, the Worldwide Hockey Federation (FIH) proudly recognises extraordinary people from the world over, whose efforts mirror the true spirit of dedication to the game.
All the world over, these volunteers have modified lives via their dedication to inclusion, improvement, and alternative. Their tales seize the essence of what makes hockey greater than a sport – a worldwide neighborhood pushed by ardour and objective.
Talking to all volunteers who contribute massively in the direction of the success of Hockey globally, FIH President Tayyab Ikram mentioned: “Because the world celebrates Worldwide Volunteer Day, I want to take this chance to specific my immense gratitude to all these all over the world who give their time for our sport, out of pure ardour and dedication. Hockey volunteers, you merely are outstanding! Thanks!”
Europe: Management, Inclusion, and Lifelong Dedication
Karolina Krizenecka (Czechia)
A trailblazer in Para Hockey, Karolina Krizenecka stands as the primary para-hockey coach in Czechia working with intellectually disabled athletes. Alongside her distinguished enjoying and training journey — backed by an FIH Degree 3 certificates — she has grow to be a strong advocate for inclusivity. Her impression extends past the pitch, contributing to coach-education programmes and workshops that help each mainstream and adaptive hockey throughout the area.
Rubén Díaz (Spain)
After a severe again damage ended his aggressive enjoying days, Rubén Díaz reinvented his function inside the sport he loves. Now a devoted match official, he’s deeply concerned in organising video games, supporting groups, and guaranteeing competitions run seamlessly. Guided by his perception that “life doesn’t finish till you cease respiratory,” Rubén’s resilience and spirit function a mannequin of volunteerism and perseverance inside the Spanish hockey neighborhood.
Asia: Grassroots Energy and Quiet Management
Muhammad Nurseha (Indonesia)
By numerous hours of teaching and grassroots engagement, Muhammad Nurseha has strengthened the foundations of hockey in Indonesia. His dedication to supporting younger athletes and nationwide buildings has expanded participation throughout the nation. At all times able to step in wherever wanted, he stays an important pillar for the game’s continued development.
Khadija Abid Awan (Bahrain)
A steadfast presence in Bahrain’s hockey neighborhood, Khadija Abid Awan has been a trusted and constructive contributor behind the scenes. Her willingness to help in all areas of the game has made her a useful volunteer, shaping a supportive surroundings for athletes and organisers alike.
Africa: A long time of Service and Neighborhood Transformation
Veronica van Vught (South Africa)
For 35 years, Veronica van Vught has been a driving power within the Northern Areas of Port Elizabeth. Passionate and devoted, she has constructed and sustained the native modified hockey programme and college neighbourhood league. Whether or not strolling with gamers to the sphere or personally masking their bills for tournaments, she exemplifies selfless service. A dedicated instructor, she believes deeply within the holistic improvement of her athletes.
Hubert Oliphant (South Africa)
Within the Breidbach and Qonce areas, Hubert Oliphant has grow to be a beacon of hope for younger gamers. Sacrificing private time to educate, organise weekly classes, lead vacation programmes, practice coaches, and coordinate festivals, he ensures each youngster has the possibility to expertise hockey. As a provincial coach and umpire, he continues to share his data generously, inspiring the following era and strengthening the native hockey ecosystem.
Pan America: Excellence in Officiating and Continental Affect
Roque Viegas (USA)
A former worldwide umpire, Roque Viegas has performed a major function in elevating officiating requirements throughout america. His service to PAHF has been outstanding — from contributions to the Competitions Committee to ongoing work on the Appointments Panel and management as Chair of the Training Panel. His volunteer spirit and dedication to creating officers have left an enduring imprint throughout the continent.
Paula Parks (Canada)
With years of dedication as a Technical Officer and Technical Delegate, Paula Parks has been instrumental in strengthening technical officiating within the Americas. Now serving as Chair of the PAHF Officers Panel, she makes use of her in depth expertise to boost training, evaluation, and help buildings for officers in any respect ranges. Her management continues to information and elevate the technical officiating panorama throughout the Pan American area.
Honouring the Spirit of Service
These volunteers from all around the world signify the 1000’s of people who make hockey flourish worldwide. Their ardour, dedication, and generosity embody the perfect of the game.
On behalf of the worldwide hockey neighborhood, FIH salutes each volunteer who dedicates their time, power, and coronary heart to the sport. Your impression is immeasurable. Your legacy endures.
Supply: FIH.hockey
