It is a great pleasure for me as President of the European Hockey Federation to welcome all players, officials, press and spectators to Guimareas for the EuroHockey Indoor Junior Nations Trophy, for Women, 2009.
This season four Indoor Junior Nations tournaments will take place in Europe – this weekend here in Guimareas, with the Championships in Siauliai, Lithuania. Last weekend the men took centre stage with the Championships in Vienna and the Trophy in Budapest.
For many European nations the winter climate prohibits playing hockey outdoors so indoor hockey is an extremely intricate part of the hockey calendar. The EHF sees indoor hockey as strategically important to the development of hockey throughout Europe.
To all those taking part in the tournaments, coaches, managers, umpires and officials, and of course the players, I hope your experience at this tournament will be competitive, rewarding and, above all, enjoyable. I thank the spectators for their support and hope they enjoy the unique atmosphere that is associated with indoor hockey!
Finally, tournaments such as this require substantial organisation, and the European Hockey Federation is most grateful to the Portuguese Hockey Federation for hosting and in particular to Assuncao Pinto and the members of the organising committee for their hard work and dedication to ensure a well organised and exciting tournament.
Good luck.
Martin Gotheridge
President
European Hockey Federation
