Hockey for people with disabilities is a growing sport in the Netherlands. It is no surprise that over 100 youth with a physical disability took part in a special tournament at Cartouche Hockey club this past weekend.
The event was organised by the Dirk Kuyt Foundation, set up by Dutch football international Dirk Kuyt to help people with disabilities take part in sport. “It’s great fun, but it is very hot today,” one of the young players said on the sidelines.
“Having phyisical limitations should not stop you from enjoying sport,” says Henriette van Aalderen of the Royal Dutch hockey association KNHB. “That is why we organise all sorts of different activities for people with disabilities – including a league competition and national. Everyone should be able to enjoy that feeling of being part of a club.”
The Netherlands is leading the way in terms of making hockey accessible to people with disabilities. “We are only too happy to share our experiences with clubs, national organisations and others, so that hockey is open to more people than ever,” says Van Aalderen. “We are extremely pleased that the EHF, in the shape of Marijke Fleuren, is keen to spread the word about disabled hockey as well.”
Hockey for people with physical and learning disabilities (known in Dutch as LG and G hockey) is organised as separate sports in the Netherlands. That does mean there are fewer players to compete against, which some teams think is a disadvantage. “More people should take part,” said players from Utrecht club Kampong. “It is great fun to play and if there are more teams, there are more challenges. And we could do with some more players next season as well.”
If you decide to take up the Kampong challenge, you will be joining a successful team. Kampong won the six-a-side competition. The eight-a-side title went to Amsterdam.