Foundation for Global Sports Development pledges support

“It is thrilling to witness the inspirational power of para-sport, and we are excited to support the IPC as they continue to educate fans from around the world.”

The Foundation for Global Sports Development (GSD) has pledged USD 75,000 to the International Paralympic Committee (IPC), to help with education and awareness raising efforts in the USA and around the world through the 2015 IPC Ice Sledge Hockey World Championships A-Pool.

The funds will be used to develop videos, interviews with athletes and online knowledge base materials for ice sledge hockey, which it is hoped will give people an insight into the sport, and also attract new audiences to para-sport more generally.

Information and footage will be gathered at the World Championships A-Pool, taking place in Buffalo, New York, between 26 April-3 May.

Xavier Gonzalez, IPC CEO, said: “Thanks to Steven Ungerleider, David Ulich and their team at the Foundation for Global Sports Development, we have a real opportunity to capitalise further on what we already expect to be one of our most successful World Championships in 2015.

“The popularity of ice sledge hockey has been growing really fast in the US since their team stormed to victory at Sochi 2014, and we want to use that as a springboard to turn people onto other para-sports.

“Alongside that, we want to give fans of all ages from around the world the chance to learn more about the adrenalin fuelled sport of ice sledge hockey, the players and the history, in a variety of different formats.”

Steven Ungerleider, GSD Executive Board Member said: “We are honoured to offer the IPC our support and are hopeful that with increased media attention on para-sport, more youth around the world will realise they too can participate in sport – whatever their ability level may be.”

GSD Executive Board Member, David Ulich, added: “It is thrilling to witness the inspirational power of para-sport, and we are excited to support the IPC as they continue to educate fans from around the world.”

In the opening games of Buffalo 2015 on 26 April, the US will face Russia in a replay of the final from Sochi 2014 where they won 1-0 to grab gold.

The tournament, taking place at the HARBORCENTER, will also feature defending world champions Canada who are drawn in Group A alongside Czech Republic, Norway and Japan.

Group B will feature hosts USA, who finished with Worlds silver in 2013, Russia, Italy and Germany.

Tickets, live coverage and media accreditation for Buffalo 2015 are available at www.Buffalo2015.com, , with broadcast coverage in the US provided by NBC Sports Group.