HOCKEY PARTNERSHIP FOR PROGRESS-Building capacities to reach equal minimal standards

Background The project builds on the long-standing cooperation in the Western Balkans region, where sporting development and joint competitions were interrupted by the war and hockey organisations were in ruins. These have now reached a stage where joint competition makes sense again, despite the different levels of development. To break the shackles of their own environment, a joint effort was needed to help each other achieve minimum standards with empowered, educated and proactive individuals. Objectives The first part of the project focused on improving good governance with the main objective of helping all key stakeholders better understand and perceive their role in the sports environment, improve their behaviour and motivate them to participate in the development of their organisations towards transparency, integrity, accountability, and inclusion through a proactive approach. Implementation In the first part, we assessed the current state through a benchmark analysis and identified best practices to follow. In the second part, we conducted activities to raise awareness of the need for good governance, educate people about important aspects of governance, and provide practical tools for development initiatives. In the third part, we provided content and activities to key stakeholders to enable them to improve their overall behaviour and their individual roles. Achievements We do not underestimate how long it will take for the results to translate into new policies, practices and an overall better functioning sports ecosystem for all members. However, we are convinced that the project has given hundreds of participants unprecedented access to expert knowledge and lectures. Thanks to this project, they are now better informed, trained, empowered and motivated to support the development of sports in the region in the years to come.