31/08/2026
We have reached the end of an incredible week. Louvain-la-Neuve hosted the very first Para Hockey World Cup in history. A week we will never forget.
Three years ago, organising this World Cup was still a dream, almost a crazy challenge. That dream became reality. We wanted to give these athletes their World Cup. With a hockey village, a giant screen, a stage, concerts, hospitality areas, VIP meals and, above all, a crowd and volunteers to welcome them like true champions.
But this week was about much more than sport. FestiHandi, Sportรฉa, Hockey Together, the Hockey Unify tournamentโฆ so many moments where able-bodied and differently-abled players shared the same pitch, the same jersey and the same passion. It was no longer about disability, but simply about sport, friendship and the joy of being together.
After three years of preparation, more than 170 volunteers came together to make this adventure possible. Club members, neighbouring clubs and people from completely different backgrounds all gave their time to welcome others.
This week was extraordinary in sporting terms, in its organisation, but above all on a human level. Smiles, hugs, moments of incredible togetherness and many tears of joy. It was beautiful, powerful and magical.
And the greatest lesson came from the athletes themselves. Their spontaneity, their joy, their lack of judgement and their ability to connect with others remind us how much we still have to learn from them.
Thank you to all the athletes for your trust. Thank you to the 170 volunteers, our partners, the National Lottery, Orcadia, the ministerial offices, the Province of Walloon Brabant, the City of Ottignies-Louvain-la-Neuve and all the organisations that supported us.
And thank you to our Dream Team: Justine, Alice, Tom and Gilles.
This World Cup is over, but we hope it has helped change a few perspectives.
DIFFERENT PATHS, SAME DREAM
An adventure that will remain forever in our memories.
