Ottobock spurs growth of sledge hockey in Norway

The Norwegian Ice Hockey Federation has received 12 sledges on loan for one year to help develop ice sledge hockey at the grassroots level. 10 Dec 2013

Norway ice sledge hockey Ottobock equipment loaner programme

Norwegians have been trying out sledge hockey for the first time in their local communities thanks to IPC Ice Sledge Hockey's Ottobock Equipment Loaner Programme.

ⒸIPC

By IPC

In total, Ottobock has provided IPC Ice Sledge Hockey with 30 sledges and sticks to distribute to National Paralympic Committees (NPCs) or organisations to build the future of the sport in their respective countries and build those organisations’ capacities to offer the sport.

Just six months since IPC Ice Sledge Hockey launched its Ottobock Equipment Loaner Programme, major progress in the sport’s development has already been seen in Norway.

In July, IPC Ice Sledge Hockey announced a two-year partnership with Worldwide Paralympic Partner Ottobock to develop ice sledge hockey at the grassroots level by providing nations with sledges for either six-month or one-year terms.

As one of the selected countries for the programme, the Norwegian Ice Hockey Federation received 12 sledges on loan for one year during their annual summer camp this year in Hamar.

Six of these sledges with sticks went to the newly established ice sledge hockey community in Skien and four to the community in Lillehammer, both of which are located in the eastern part of Norway.

Both communities have made it possible for potential new players to drop by and try out the sledges on their own time and are reporting to have more players present at local club practices as a result of the programme.

Norway already have 80 registered ice sledge hockey players throughout the country, and in time, if new players develop the basic skills on the ice with these sledges, they can then consider switching to more advanced equipment to work their way to the elite level.

In total, Ottobock has provided IPC Ice Sledge Hockey with 30 sledges and sticks to distribute to National Paralympic Committees (NPCs) or organisations to build the future of the sport in their respective countries and build those organisations’ capacities to offer the sport.

The programme aims to increase the number of athletes and rehabilitation centres practicing the sport, as well as to increase the number of people with an impairment who regularly practice the sport.

The initiative will also influence emerging ice sledge hockey countries to host public events to create further awareness for the sport.