This is the time expected for the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) to resolve on the appeal presented by the Catalan Federation after the oral hearing that took place yesterday in Lausanne (Switzerland).
For more than 6 hours the two parts involved, Catalan federation and FIRS, presented their conclusions and witnesses.
Due to a clause of confidentiality, hardly any details of the hearing have been made public, but the Catalan representatives admitted they were quite happy with the developments of the hearing.
Ramon Basiana, President of the Catalan Federation, Ignasi Donate, director of the Catalan Council of Sport and Jean-Louis Dupont the prestigious belgian lawyer, were the representatives of the Catalan cause. On the other hand, the FIRS was represented by the General Secretary, Roberto Marotta and their lawyer, the Italian Francesco Malatesta.
It is known, that the Catalans presented four witnesses: the formers president and vice-president of the FIRS, Isidre Oliveras de la Riva and Ernesto Gonzalez Molina respectively, and two Mexican directors, the vice-president of the American Confederation, Minu Cortes and the president of the Mexican Federation of Roller Sports, Juan Carlos Hernandez.
Two more witnesses had been summoned, the vice-director of the Spanish Council of Sport, Jose Luis Aguado and the actual president of the FIRS, but none of them turned up for the hearing.
It must be remembered that the two Mexican witnesses demanded without success the secret vote on the last FIRS general Assembly in Fresno, hence their presence as witnesses on the Catalan side.
Apparently, the arguments of the FIRS were mainly based on the results of the voting held in Fresno, in which Catalonia was clearly refused as full member of the FIRS. According to the FIRS, the overwhelming difference in votes proves the position of the majority of members of the FIRS.
Conversely, the Catalans believe that the value of democracy is not the quantity of votes but the quality of the electoral process, and this process was not fair because some members requested a secret voting and this was denied, which according to the Catalan representatives, would invalidate the whole process.
The Catalans have praised the professionality of the three members of the Tribunal and have confirmed that they will respect whichever decision they take.
Justice will be done!
Saturday, May 28, 2005
Friday, May 27, 2005
Possible scenarios
There are three possible scenarions of the final resolution that the TAS will announce today.
1st Reject the Catalan appeal.
2nd Accept the Catalan appeal and force the FIRS to re-admit the Catalan national team as full member of the International Federation.
3rd Oblige the FIRS to repeat the Assembly held in Fresno.
In case of a positive resolution for the Catalan appeal the most probably scenario would be the 3rd one. However, this would imply that the Catalan federation will become again a provisional member of the FIRS as it was before Fresno's assembly.
Since the next FIRS congress has not been scheduled until 2007, surely that would imply that, if the FIRS doesn't decide to have an extraordinary congress, Catalonia would be in a position of demand to participate in the next World Cup to be held next August in San Jose.
Hence, Catalonia would play in group A together with Portugal, Angola and Chile, and Macau who took the place of Catalonia. will not be allowed to play.
Very exciting isn't it? Let's wait and see....
Thursday, May 05, 2005
The CAS will announce their decision this month
The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has announced that on the 27th of May, there will be an audience between them, the Catalan Federation of Roller Hockey and the FIRS, to discuss the appeal presented by the Catalans against the decision of the FIRS to overturn the recognition of the Catalan Federation as full members of the FIRS.
After listening to both parts, the CAS will analyze all the documentation and will fail for or against the appeal presented by the Catalans' lawyer Jean Louis Dupont.
The resolution of the (in)famous FIRS assembly held in Fresno
FIRS assembly minute by minute updates
kathie Fries Skatelogcom report
was against the hopes of the Catalans, but the whole assembly was a fiasco and suspicious of being influenced by political pressures, some of which have been proved to be true.
Colombian member
Mexican member
The plot reveals
The Catalan federation believe that, considering the precedents and resolutions to past appeals, there should be a final resolution before July, as most members will be on holiday after that month, and then the resolution couldn't be give until September.
The main points of the Catalan appeal were based on the violation of the FIRS statutes by the Central Committee who after accepting the appeal of Catalonia, did not allow any of the Catalan representatives to be heard during the following day Congress, and the decision to have an open vote when according to the FIRS statutes there is enough with the request of a full member -there were three- for the voting to be secret.
In addition the appeal elaborated by Dupont has also make clear - and has presented testimonial proof of the political pressures against some members of the FIRS that allegedly influenced the voting.
Both Ramon Basiana, president of the Catalan federation, and Jean-Louis Dupont will be present at the audience with the CAS and it is not discarded that one of the witnesses of the Catalans will also be present.
The conditions of the process have not been made public because there is a strict clause of confidentiality.
However, a very interesting fact is that the court will be formed by three members chosen of among the 274 that form CAS. The first member is chosen by the CAS. The other two members are chosen by the two parts. This selection is usually made depending on the theoretical ideological or conceptual proximity of the lawyer with the posture of each part.
In this sense, it is necessary to remember the selection of the FIRS was made before the elections of the 12th February. Hence, officially the member of the court would have not been not chosen by the Italian Sabattino Aracu, the new president and great defender of the interests of the Spaniards, but by Francisco González, the Argentinian vice-president, who was an intimate friend of the former president Isidro Oliveras de la Riva, and allegedly, favourable to the admission of the Catalans.
After listening to both parts, the CAS will analyze all the documentation and will fail for or against the appeal presented by the Catalans' lawyer Jean Louis Dupont.
The resolution of the (in)famous FIRS assembly held in Fresno
FIRS assembly minute by minute updates
kathie Fries Skatelogcom report
was against the hopes of the Catalans, but the whole assembly was a fiasco and suspicious of being influenced by political pressures, some of which have been proved to be true.
Colombian member
Mexican member
The plot reveals
The Catalan federation believe that, considering the precedents and resolutions to past appeals, there should be a final resolution before July, as most members will be on holiday after that month, and then the resolution couldn't be give until September.
The main points of the Catalan appeal were based on the violation of the FIRS statutes by the Central Committee who after accepting the appeal of Catalonia, did not allow any of the Catalan representatives to be heard during the following day Congress, and the decision to have an open vote when according to the FIRS statutes there is enough with the request of a full member -there were three- for the voting to be secret.
In addition the appeal elaborated by Dupont has also make clear - and has presented testimonial proof of the political pressures against some members of the FIRS that allegedly influenced the voting.
Both Ramon Basiana, president of the Catalan federation, and Jean-Louis Dupont will be present at the audience with the CAS and it is not discarded that one of the witnesses of the Catalans will also be present.
The conditions of the process have not been made public because there is a strict clause of confidentiality.
However, a very interesting fact is that the court will be formed by three members chosen of among the 274 that form CAS. The first member is chosen by the CAS. The other two members are chosen by the two parts. This selection is usually made depending on the theoretical ideological or conceptual proximity of the lawyer with the posture of each part.
In this sense, it is necessary to remember the selection of the FIRS was made before the elections of the 12th February. Hence, officially the member of the court would have not been not chosen by the Italian Sabattino Aracu, the new president and great defender of the interests of the Spaniards, but by Francisco González, the Argentinian vice-president, who was an intimate friend of the former president Isidro Oliveras de la Riva, and allegedly, favourable to the admission of the Catalans.
Very exciting indeed!
We are back in business
Yes, after a long long time, we are finally back in business.
Due to some technical and logistical problems, I haven't been able to update the website with new information. Unfortunately, not much has happened over the last two months but it looks like some exciting news might be on their way, and from catalanhockey we will keep you updated with the last minute information.
So, if you have been loyal to us, thank you for coming back. If you are new, please be welcomed!
UNA NACIO, UNA SELECCIO!
ONE NATION, ONE SELECTION!
Due to some technical and logistical problems, I haven't been able to update the website with new information. Unfortunately, not much has happened over the last two months but it looks like some exciting news might be on their way, and from catalanhockey we will keep you updated with the last minute information.
So, if you have been loyal to us, thank you for coming back. If you are new, please be welcomed!
UNA NACIO, UNA SELECCIO!
ONE NATION, ONE SELECTION!
Thursday, January 13, 2005
Reactions to the new rules tested in Catalonia
Since my last post in which I exposed the new rules tested in the game between Catalonia and the Reno All Stars team (New rules tested), many roller hockey fans and amateur and professional players have expressed their opinion about these variations.
Here is a summary of their opinions:
-David Busquets (Igualada, Catalonia) : "I liked the new rules. I really enjoyed the game as it has been a very lively match with loads of opportunities to score. The new rules help the attacking game and this is always good for any sport."
-Oriol Bargallo (Igualada,Catalonia) : "Talking about the new goals, I don't think the problem is about the quantity of goals that are being scored at the moment. To me is more about making the game more exciting and spectacular. I think most goalies would find difficult to get used to the new goals. It would be harder to stop the high shots and balls to the top corners."
-James Taylor (UK, Bassano) : "One rule that I took to alot was the bigger goals,it created more goals and made the game more exciting. The players didnt take full advantage of the goals however because we were not used to them but if we had of just imagine how many more goals there would have been as it finished at 13-9 . I didnt like the direct free hit rule where if you made 5 fouls it was a direct free hit because I like to play my game hard and it wasnt possible with this rule. As for the anti dew being the half way line I dont think it made any diffrence, and the referees on skates just looked stupid, they found it hard to turn and keeo up as they werent at the same level of skating which is understandable."
-Boris Tarassioux (http://www.inforoller.com/fr/index2.htm) : "I think the referees wearing skates makes them lose in speed and placement. The size of the goals it definetely means more goals. I think a lot because the placement of goalkeeper is not perfect. But certainly a good idea, if we can try this not just in one game but on a yaer championship to see all consequences of the rule. The antiplay line being at 20 metres (normally it is at 22m), I think in a little rink, it is a bad solution. From the 5th foul of each team each foul was awarded with a direct free hit.Good rule but direct free hit is done two with antiplay line, ball out of rink. So this was ridiculous. Also, when James Taylor came in he immediatly did a foul which gave a direct free hit."
An online discussion is going on at:
Talkrollerhockey.net
Here is a summary of their opinions:
-David Busquets (Igualada, Catalonia) : "I liked the new rules. I really enjoyed the game as it has been a very lively match with loads of opportunities to score. The new rules help the attacking game and this is always good for any sport."
-Oriol Bargallo (Igualada,Catalonia) : "Talking about the new goals, I don't think the problem is about the quantity of goals that are being scored at the moment. To me is more about making the game more exciting and spectacular. I think most goalies would find difficult to get used to the new goals. It would be harder to stop the high shots and balls to the top corners."
-James Taylor (UK, Bassano) : "One rule that I took to alot was the bigger goals,it created more goals and made the game more exciting. The players didnt take full advantage of the goals however because we were not used to them but if we had of just imagine how many more goals there would have been as it finished at 13-9 . I didnt like the direct free hit rule where if you made 5 fouls it was a direct free hit because I like to play my game hard and it wasnt possible with this rule. As for the anti dew being the half way line I dont think it made any diffrence, and the referees on skates just looked stupid, they found it hard to turn and keeo up as they werent at the same level of skating which is understandable."
-Boris Tarassioux (http://www.inforoller.com/fr/index2.htm) : "I think the referees wearing skates makes them lose in speed and placement. The size of the goals it definetely means more goals. I think a lot because the placement of goalkeeper is not perfect. But certainly a good idea, if we can try this not just in one game but on a yaer championship to see all consequences of the rule. The antiplay line being at 20 metres (normally it is at 22m), I think in a little rink, it is a bad solution. From the 5th foul of each team each foul was awarded with a direct free hit.Good rule but direct free hit is done two with antiplay line, ball out of rink. So this was ridiculous. Also, when James Taylor came in he immediatly did a foul which gave a direct free hit."
An online discussion is going on at:
Talkrollerhockey.net
Sunday, January 09, 2005
Hockey Champions League results
3 Catalan teams are participating in the Champions League that just started yesterday.
Igualada, Reus and FC Barcelona played their first games of the competition against Uttingen, Barcelos and Olivereinse respectively.
Igualada had an easy game and crashed the Swiss team by 7-0; Reus beat the Portuguese team Barcelos by 2-0 and FC Barcelona surprisingly lose at home against the also Portuguese Olivereinse by 2 goals to 3.
UTTIGEN 0. Stephan Pauli, Reto Beer, Simon Grossen, Cristoph Gurtner, Marcel Althaus, equip inicial. Philipp Mühle, Andreas Münger
HORMIPRESA IGUALADA 7. Bargalló. Càceres, Busquets, Cabestany (2), Edu (2), equip inicial. Torras (1), Montferri, Raventós, Hinojal (1).
0-1 Cabestany m. 6
0-2 Edu m. 7
0-3 Edu m. 15
0-4 Torras m 24'59
0-5 Raventós m. 38
0-6 Cabestany m. 43
0-7 Freddy Hinojal m 49.
FC BARCELONA EXCELENT, 2. Egurrola, JL Páez, D. Páez, Borregán,C. López , Benito, Panadero, Masoliver
OLIVEIRENSE, 3. Silva, Resendes, Didi, To Neves,Magro, Pedro Lopes, Fernandes
1-0 David Páez 8'
2-0 Borregán 33'
2-1 Resendes 38'
2-2 To Neves 44'
2-3 Didí 48'
Igualada, Reus and FC Barcelona played their first games of the competition against Uttingen, Barcelos and Olivereinse respectively.
Igualada had an easy game and crashed the Swiss team by 7-0; Reus beat the Portuguese team Barcelos by 2-0 and FC Barcelona surprisingly lose at home against the also Portuguese Olivereinse by 2 goals to 3.
UTTIGEN 0. Stephan Pauli, Reto Beer, Simon Grossen, Cristoph Gurtner, Marcel Althaus, equip inicial. Philipp Mühle, Andreas Münger
HORMIPRESA IGUALADA 7. Bargalló. Càceres, Busquets, Cabestany (2), Edu (2), equip inicial. Torras (1), Montferri, Raventós, Hinojal (1).
0-1 Cabestany m. 6
0-2 Edu m. 7
0-3 Edu m. 15
0-4 Torras m 24'59
0-5 Raventós m. 38
0-6 Cabestany m. 43
0-7 Freddy Hinojal m 49.
FC BARCELONA EXCELENT, 2. Egurrola, JL Páez, D. Páez, Borregán,C. López , Benito, Panadero, Masoliver
OLIVEIRENSE, 3. Silva, Resendes, Didi, To Neves,Magro, Pedro Lopes, Fernandes
1-0 David Páez 8'
2-0 Borregán 33'
2-1 Resendes 38'
2-2 To Neves 44'
2-3 Didí 48'
Tuesday, January 04, 2005
Interview with Josep Vigueras, MD of Reno
Our friends of Igualada weblog (http://www.lamevaweb.info/575) published an interview with Josep Vigueras, Managing Director of the worldwide known hockey manufacturers Reno.
This is a translation of the interview:
Josep, where did the idea of organising this event come from?
From July 2004 Reno has been sponsoring FC Barcelona and one of the clausules in the contract allow us to use the Palau Blaugrana for one day a year. We had been wanting to organise something with the Catalan federation for a while, but couldn't find a suitable date. Last July I spoke to Ramon Basiana, president of the Catalan federation and told him that I'd like Catalonia to play the Reno World Stars as a testimonial for the players who won the B World Cup in Macau. Basiana agreed and from Reno we started working to get the best team of the world.
And after that, the shame of Fresno took place.
Yes, but we had decided that whatever the outcome of Fresno was we would play the game. And after the events in Fresno we thought that "now more than ever" we had to carry on and support the Catalan hockey.
The truth is that Josep Vigueras and Reno have been brave and showed their support to the Catalan national team.
Yes. We will do what we can to support the Catalan federation. I believe that the recognition of Catalonia would be very good for both the Spanish and the international hockey. I truly think that the hockey in Spain would grow a lot if Catalonia has its own national team, as the Spaniards would have to invest in the sport more than are doing now.
Besides the emotional aspect for the Catalans, the game against the Reno World Stars was planned to be a good spectacle, wasn't it?
We are convinced that hockey can improve with the introducion of new rules, such as bigger goals, referees wearing skates (to increase their speed and mobility and maybe having only one referee), and free hits from the 5th team foul. We would like scores such as 15 to 14. We want a good show. I have been a hockey player myself and I got very upset when last weekend in a big game Barca v Liceo the Palau was half empty. We want the fans to go back the the rinks!
What are your previsions for tonight's game?
We think it will be a full house. With four or 5 thousand people we would be more than happy but we might have to close doors when the demonstrations finishes. The events will start at half two in the afternoon with competitions for kids, girls game, speed shows, free hits etc.
As I said before we want spectacle in the world of roller hockey.
Last question. Is this a one off thing or you are thinking about making it permanent?
We would like to organise it every year. What we haven't decided is whether it will be always in Barcelona or we could hold it in different cities or towns or maybe doing it more than once every year and in different places.
All we want is to promote hockey.
Very interesting interview. From catalanhockey we thanks Mr Vigueras and encourage him to keep up the good work.
Links:
www.lamevaweb.info/575
www.hockeyreno.com/
This is a translation of the interview:
Josep, where did the idea of organising this event come from?
From July 2004 Reno has been sponsoring FC Barcelona and one of the clausules in the contract allow us to use the Palau Blaugrana for one day a year. We had been wanting to organise something with the Catalan federation for a while, but couldn't find a suitable date. Last July I spoke to Ramon Basiana, president of the Catalan federation and told him that I'd like Catalonia to play the Reno World Stars as a testimonial for the players who won the B World Cup in Macau. Basiana agreed and from Reno we started working to get the best team of the world.
And after that, the shame of Fresno took place.
Yes, but we had decided that whatever the outcome of Fresno was we would play the game. And after the events in Fresno we thought that "now more than ever" we had to carry on and support the Catalan hockey.
The truth is that Josep Vigueras and Reno have been brave and showed their support to the Catalan national team.
Yes. We will do what we can to support the Catalan federation. I believe that the recognition of Catalonia would be very good for both the Spanish and the international hockey. I truly think that the hockey in Spain would grow a lot if Catalonia has its own national team, as the Spaniards would have to invest in the sport more than are doing now.
Besides the emotional aspect for the Catalans, the game against the Reno World Stars was planned to be a good spectacle, wasn't it?
We are convinced that hockey can improve with the introducion of new rules, such as bigger goals, referees wearing skates (to increase their speed and mobility and maybe having only one referee), and free hits from the 5th team foul. We would like scores such as 15 to 14. We want a good show. I have been a hockey player myself and I got very upset when last weekend in a big game Barca v Liceo the Palau was half empty. We want the fans to go back the the rinks!
What are your previsions for tonight's game?
We think it will be a full house. With four or 5 thousand people we would be more than happy but we might have to close doors when the demonstrations finishes. The events will start at half two in the afternoon with competitions for kids, girls game, speed shows, free hits etc.
As I said before we want spectacle in the world of roller hockey.
Last question. Is this a one off thing or you are thinking about making it permanent?
We would like to organise it every year. What we haven't decided is whether it will be always in Barcelona or we could hold it in different cities or towns or maybe doing it more than once every year and in different places.
All we want is to promote hockey.
Very interesting interview. From catalanhockey we thanks Mr Vigueras and encourage him to keep up the good work.
Links:
www.lamevaweb.info/575
www.hockeyreno.com/
Sunday, January 02, 2005
More reactions from Macau
If someone got really benefited from the FIRS decision not to admit Catalonia into its ranks as a national team, this was Macau.
Macau, who finished 4th in the last B World Cup, will participate in the next World Cup to be held in San Jose in 2005, taking the place that Catalonia deservedly won on the rink.
However, from Macau they keep attacking the Catalans as if they weren't happy enough with the results of the FIRS congress in Fresno.
Hence, the first online newspaper in Macau, pontofinalmacau.com accuses the Catalan government of conspiring in the last World Cup, only because some members of the Catalan government decided to take half a day off on their official trip to China to attend the final of the World Cup in which Catalonia beat England by 6 goals to 0.
The full article can be found at:
http://www.pontofinalmacau.com/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=6297&mode=thread&order=0&thold=0
Macau, who finished 4th in the last B World Cup, will participate in the next World Cup to be held in San Jose in 2005, taking the place that Catalonia deservedly won on the rink.
However, from Macau they keep attacking the Catalans as if they weren't happy enough with the results of the FIRS congress in Fresno.
Hence, the first online newspaper in Macau, pontofinalmacau.com accuses the Catalan government of conspiring in the last World Cup, only because some members of the Catalan government decided to take half a day off on their official trip to China to attend the final of the World Cup in which Catalonia beat England by 6 goals to 0.
The full article can be found at:
http://www.pontofinalmacau.com/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=6297&mode=thread&order=0&thold=0
Friday, December 31, 2004
Felic Any Nou 2005!!!!
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Wishing you all the best in 2005!
Wishing you all the best in 2005!
Us desitjo tot el millor per aquest Any Nou 2005!!
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New rules tested in the friendly game
The friendly game in which Catalonia beat the Reno All Stars by 13 to 8, was used to test new rules that according to Reno would increase the emotion and make the game of roller hockey more spectacular.
These are the rules that were tested:
- the two referees wore roller skates.
- the goals were bigger (ice hockey size)
- the antiplay line was at 20 metres (normally it is at 22m)
- there was no substitution when a player is excluded
- from the 5th foul of each team each foul was awarded with a direct free hit.
Well, according to the final result and to the opinions of some players after the game and despite the fact that it was a friendly game, it seems that the new rules worked quite well!
These are the rules that were tested:
- the two referees wore roller skates.
- the goals were bigger (ice hockey size)
- the antiplay line was at 20 metres (normally it is at 22m)
- there was no substitution when a player is excluded
- from the 5th foul of each team each foul was awarded with a direct free hit.
Well, according to the final result and to the opinions of some players after the game and despite the fact that it was a friendly game, it seems that the new rules worked quite well!
Wednesday, December 29, 2004
Minute by minute updates on the Catalan demonstration and sport events
19 10 According to the Catalan radio station RAC1 (www.rac1.net) around 20 000 people are demonstrating in Barcelona
19 12 Representatives of all Catalan political parties (except the PP) are present at the demonstration
19 13 Around 2 500 people are already at the Palau Blaugrana participating in the roller sports events that have been taking place since 15 30.
19 15 Sergi Panadero has won the shootout competition.
19 16 David Moner, president of the UFEC has confirmed that more than 20 000 people are participating in the demonstration through the streets of Barcelona.
19 21 More people are joining the demonstration as it goes through the streets of Barcelona.
19 24 UNA NACIO,UNA SELECCIO!! is the sole voice of the people of Catalonia demonstrating tonight in Barcelona.
19 27 The Catalan roller hockey team and the Reno All Starts are already warming up at the Palau Blaugrana's rink.
19 30 Jaume Roure, president of the Catalan federation of football, believes that it is a success to have gathered more than 20 000 people in support to the Catalan national teams. According to Roura more than 65 000 tickets had been already sold for the football game.
19 37 According to the organization, the number of demonstrators has increased to 30 000.
19 50 The beginnings of the demonstration have reached the end and it has started to dissolve.
19 52 The girls of CP Olot, gold medal in Fresno, are at this moment performing "Freedom", the performance that made them finish top in the last championship in Fresno.
20 07 The Catalan national anthem is playing at the Palau Blaugrana while players from both teams are paying respect.
20 08 A minute of silence for the victims of the earthquake in South Asia has being observed.
20 10 Different rules will be used in this game as a test for a better and more modern game.
20 15 The game has just started. More than 7 000 spectators at the Palau Blaugrana.
20 54 At half time the result between Catalunya and Reno All Stars is 5-6 to Reno All Stars.
21 30 The match has concluded with the victory of Catalonia over the Reno All Stars by the final result of 13 to 8.
19 12 Representatives of all Catalan political parties (except the PP) are present at the demonstration
19 13 Around 2 500 people are already at the Palau Blaugrana participating in the roller sports events that have been taking place since 15 30.
19 15 Sergi Panadero has won the shootout competition.
19 16 David Moner, president of the UFEC has confirmed that more than 20 000 people are participating in the demonstration through the streets of Barcelona.
19 21 More people are joining the demonstration as it goes through the streets of Barcelona.
19 24 UNA NACIO,UNA SELECCIO!! is the sole voice of the people of Catalonia demonstrating tonight in Barcelona.
19 27 The Catalan roller hockey team and the Reno All Starts are already warming up at the Palau Blaugrana's rink.
19 30 Jaume Roure, president of the Catalan federation of football, believes that it is a success to have gathered more than 20 000 people in support to the Catalan national teams. According to Roura more than 65 000 tickets had been already sold for the football game.
19 37 According to the organization, the number of demonstrators has increased to 30 000.
19 50 The beginnings of the demonstration have reached the end and it has started to dissolve.
19 52 The girls of CP Olot, gold medal in Fresno, are at this moment performing "Freedom", the performance that made them finish top in the last championship in Fresno.
20 07 The Catalan national anthem is playing at the Palau Blaugrana while players from both teams are paying respect.
20 08 A minute of silence for the victims of the earthquake in South Asia has being observed.
20 10 Different rules will be used in this game as a test for a better and more modern game.
20 15 The game has just started. More than 7 000 spectators at the Palau Blaugrana.
20 54 At half time the result between Catalunya and Reno All Stars is 5-6 to Reno All Stars.
21 30 The match has concluded with the victory of Catalonia over the Reno All Stars by the final result of 13 to 8.
21 32 The friendly football game between Catalonia and Argentina is ready to start. The players from both sides are on the pitch.
21 33 The Argentinian national anthem is playing at the Nou Camp. Around 6000 Argentinians are supporting their team in the stadium.
21 35 The Catalan national anthem is being played now. More than 70 000 Catalan fans are singing in the stands.
22 15 Half time. Argentina leads 1-0.
22 25 The Catalan hockey team, winners of the B World Cup in Macau, are now on the pitch receiving the recognition of the Catalan and Argentinian fans. Ivan Tibau, captain of the team has read a speech in defense of the Catalan national teams.
23 15 The game has ended with the final result of Catalonia 0 Argentina 3.
It has been a wonderful night for the Catalan sport. It has been shown worldwide that Catalan people love their hockey and roller sports in general and that they will keep fighting for what they want, the recognition of their national teams.
UNA NACIO, UNA SELECCIO! ONE NATION, ONE SELECTION!
Listen to it live at www.rac1.net
A celebration for Catalan sport!
This is what all the different events that will take place today will aim to be, a celebration for Catalan sport! The best way to show the world what Catalans want and what we are able to do.
Here a summary of all the activities that will take place today in cronological order:
14 30 Children tournament: 10 minutes games between teams of 5-6 years old kids.
16 00 Female roller hockey game: Catalan national team v U-18 Catalan team.
17 30 Score a goal competition: Penalty shoutout by 10 U-12 children
18 00 Speed & ability circuit: 10 world class players will compete in this event.
18 30 Score & come to the Final four: will anyone score from midfield?
18 40 Free kick competition: 10 world class players will compete for a 500 euros prize.
19 00 to 19 50 Demonstration in support of the Catalan national team
19 50 Show skating exhibition: Alba Perez and the CP Olot, winners of the gold medal in the 2004 World Roller Figure Skating Championship in Fresno will perform "Freedom", a "gut-wrenching" heartfelt performance, according to Kathie Fry.
20 00 International game: Catalunya v Reno All Stars. (Live on C33)
21 30 International football friendly: Catalunya v Argentina (Live on TV3 and Eurosport)
At half time, Ivan Tibau captain of the Catalan hockey team, will read a plea in defense of the Catalan national teams.
A great day of sport, a great day for the Catalan people united with one sole voice:
UNA NACIO, UNA SELECCIO! ONE NATION, ONE SELECTION!!
Here a summary of all the activities that will take place today in cronological order:
14 30 Children tournament: 10 minutes games between teams of 5-6 years old kids.
16 00 Female roller hockey game: Catalan national team v U-18 Catalan team.
17 30 Score a goal competition: Penalty shoutout by 10 U-12 children
18 00 Speed & ability circuit: 10 world class players will compete in this event.
18 30 Score & come to the Final four: will anyone score from midfield?
18 40 Free kick competition: 10 world class players will compete for a 500 euros prize.
19 00 to 19 50 Demonstration in support of the Catalan national team
19 50 Show skating exhibition: Alba Perez and the CP Olot, winners of the gold medal in the 2004 World Roller Figure Skating Championship in Fresno will perform "Freedom", a "gut-wrenching" heartfelt performance, according to Kathie Fry.
20 00 International game: Catalunya v Reno All Stars. (Live on C33)
21 30 International football friendly: Catalunya v Argentina (Live on TV3 and Eurosport)
At half time, Ivan Tibau captain of the Catalan hockey team, will read a plea in defense of the Catalan national teams.
A great day of sport, a great day for the Catalan people united with one sole voice:
UNA NACIO, UNA SELECCIO! ONE NATION, ONE SELECTION!!
Tuesday, December 28, 2004
Give your support
If you will not be able to attend the demonstration you can still show your support by clicking on the following link.
http://www.seleccionscatalanesara.com/adhereixte.htm
More than 1500 individuals and organisations have expressed their support already. You must be the next one!!!!
http://www.seleccionscatalanesara.com/adhereixte.htm
More than 1500 individuals and organisations have expressed their support already. You must be the next one!!!!
Friday, December 24, 2004
The Catalan people will demonstrate on the 29th of December
The Union of Catalan Sports Federations (UFEC) has officially announced a demonstration for the recognition of the Catalan national team, to take place in Barcelona on the 29th of November.
It is predicted that around 25 000 people will demonstrate in the streets of Barcelona just hours before the popular Christmas football game that will take place between Catalonia and Argentina. The demonstration will begin around 19 00 at the junction between Travessera de les Corts and Numancia and will end one hour later at the Nou Camp.
At 20 00 Catalonia´s hockey team will play the Reno All Starts and one hour and a half later Catalonia´s football team will play against Argentina in the tradional Christmas game.
Although the demostration has been supported by the Catalan civil society, all the Catalan political parties with the exception of the PP, together with work unions and other civil organisations are expected to give their support and participate in the demonstration.
David Moner, president of the UFEC has stated that : "it is about time that all the political parties take part to support the Catalan national team. Catalunya is top of the world in many sports but we cannot improve because we cannot go any further and compete internationally. The UFEC is working closely with Catalan government to gain the international recognition of other Catalan federations."
In addition, Moner has stated that: " There are times in which it is necessary to go out to the streets to express our feelings. In 1979 the Catalan people wanted a statut and more than a million people demonstrated and we finally got it. If we have to, we will go to Madrid in 5000 coaches to ask for the recognition of the Catalan teams."
I would like to see more than 25 000 people there! In fact, since there would be at least 90 000 at the football game, I am confident that more than 50 000 will demonstrate in Barcelona...
It is predicted that around 25 000 people will demonstrate in the streets of Barcelona just hours before the popular Christmas football game that will take place between Catalonia and Argentina. The demonstration will begin around 19 00 at the junction between Travessera de les Corts and Numancia and will end one hour later at the Nou Camp.
At 20 00 Catalonia´s hockey team will play the Reno All Starts and one hour and a half later Catalonia´s football team will play against Argentina in the tradional Christmas game.
Although the demostration has been supported by the Catalan civil society, all the Catalan political parties with the exception of the PP, together with work unions and other civil organisations are expected to give their support and participate in the demonstration.
David Moner, president of the UFEC has stated that : "it is about time that all the political parties take part to support the Catalan national team. Catalunya is top of the world in many sports but we cannot improve because we cannot go any further and compete internationally. The UFEC is working closely with Catalan government to gain the international recognition of other Catalan federations."
In addition, Moner has stated that: " There are times in which it is necessary to go out to the streets to express our feelings. In 1979 the Catalan people wanted a statut and more than a million people demonstrated and we finally got it. If we have to, we will go to Madrid in 5000 coaches to ask for the recognition of the Catalan teams."
All the information about the demonstration, including directions can be found at: www.seleccionscatalanesara.com
In addition if you cannot be present at the demonstration you still can give your support in the above site.
I would like to see more than 25 000 people there! In fact, since there would be at least 90 000 at the football game, I am confident that more than 50 000 will demonstrate in Barcelona...
Wednesday, December 22, 2004
Catalunya to face Andorra tonight
The Catalan team who won the B World Cup in Macau will play Andorra in a friendly game tonight.
The Pabello Comunal d'Andorra will hold the game from 20 00. It must be remembered that these two teams played against each other in one of the semi-finals of the World Cup in Macau where Catalonia beat Andorra by 8-0.
The Catalan coach, Camps, will play the same men that play in Macau with the addition of FC Barcelona´s forward Sergi Panadero who will play in substitution of David Caceres, Igualada's forward, who has a groin injury.
The Pabello Comunal d'Andorra will hold the game from 20 00. It must be remembered that these two teams played against each other in one of the semi-finals of the World Cup in Macau where Catalonia beat Andorra by 8-0.
The Catalan coach, Camps, will play the same men that play in Macau with the addition of FC Barcelona´s forward Sergi Panadero who will play in substitution of David Caceres, Igualada's forward, who has a groin injury.
Saturday, December 18, 2004
The people from Osona will demonstrate today
A demonstration in support of the Catalan national teams will take place today at 18 00 in the Placa Major de Vic.
Last Tuesday 14th, in a press conference at Club Pati Vic, the Commission "One nation, one selection", explained the reasons behind this demonstration and also informed that the commission is working towards helping for the recognition of the Catalan hockey team and getting the support of the people of Osona.
For this reason the commission is selling banners for 5 euros (see picture above) in order to finance the journey to Barcelona for the demonstration of the 29th of December.
In addition the contacts and collaboration with the two main roller hockey teams in Osona, C.P Vic and C.P Voltrega has been strengthened over the past weeks.
These two teams, big rivals on the rink, have offered all their support and will attend the demonstration just 24 hours before the local derby that will confront them.
From here we can only congratulate the commission and offer all our support.
Links:
Commission "One Nation, one Selection": www.unanaciounaseleccio.tk/
Osona.com : www.osona.com/SeleccioCatalanaHoquei.htm
Last Tuesday 14th, in a press conference at Club Pati Vic, the Commission "One nation, one selection", explained the reasons behind this demonstration and also informed that the commission is working towards helping for the recognition of the Catalan hockey team and getting the support of the people of Osona.
For this reason the commission is selling banners for 5 euros (see picture above) in order to finance the journey to Barcelona for the demonstration of the 29th of December.
In addition the contacts and collaboration with the two main roller hockey teams in Osona, C.P Vic and C.P Voltrega has been strengthened over the past weeks.
These two teams, big rivals on the rink, have offered all their support and will attend the demonstration just 24 hours before the local derby that will confront them.
From here we can only congratulate the commission and offer all our support.
Links:
Commission "One Nation, one Selection": www.unanaciounaseleccio.tk/
Osona.com : www.osona.com/SeleccioCatalanaHoquei.htm
Wednesday, December 15, 2004
Catalunya v All Stars
Today has been presented in Barcelona the friendly game that the Catalan national team will play against an "All Stars" team, on the 29th of December in the Palau Blaugrana (Barca's hockey rink).
The game will start at 20 00 and will have some of the best world players in both sides. The Catalan team will be mainly made up the players that won the B World Cup in Macau, with the addition of some players who couldn't play in Macau because they had already played with Spain in the European Championship. The All Stars team will include Argentinian, Italian and Portuguese players who play in the arguably best hockey league in the world , the OK Liga.
FC Barcelona's Negro Paez will the captain of the world selection.
This game will be played just minutes after the big demonstration that will take place in support of the Catalan national teams.
The game will start at 20 00 and will have some of the best world players in both sides. The Catalan team will be mainly made up the players that won the B World Cup in Macau, with the addition of some players who couldn't play in Macau because they had already played with Spain in the European Championship. The All Stars team will include Argentinian, Italian and Portuguese players who play in the arguably best hockey league in the world , the OK Liga.
FC Barcelona's Negro Paez will the captain of the world selection.
This game will be played just minutes after the big demonstration that will take place in support of the Catalan national teams.
Tuesday, December 14, 2004
The Catalan appeal filed today
The Catalan Federation of Roller Sports will present today in Lausanne (Switzerland) an appeal against the decision taken by the FIRS to reject the provisional recognition of the Catalan federation.
Belgian lawyer Jean-Louis Dupont will legally represent the Catalan federation.
The main points of the Catalan appeal are based on the violation of the FIRS statutes by the Central Committee who after accepting the appeal of Catalonia, did not allow any of the Catalan representatives to be heard during the following day Congress.
The appeal elaborated by Dupont will also make clear - and will present testimonial proof of the political pressures against some members of the FIRS that allegedly influenced the voting.
Hopefully the Court of Arbitration for Sport (TAS) will act sensibly different than the FIRS Committee and will take all the opinions into consideration.
Out of 186 judges members of the TAS, three will be picked up to take the case. In addition, both the FIRS and the Catalan Federation will be asked to present evidence.
The TAS will resolve before the next World Cup in San Jose and it is expected that its decision will be that of invalidate what happened in Fresno. Consequently the scenario would be the same as it was just after the resolution of Miami, in which Catalonia was provisionally accepted as a new member of the FIRS.
If that happens, Catalonia should be allowed to participate in the A World Cup and then the possible decision of Spain would be to withdraw from the World Cup and to boycott the participation of Catalonia (as they did in the inline World Cup).
Again, let's wait and see!!
Belgian lawyer Jean-Louis Dupont will legally represent the Catalan federation.
The main points of the Catalan appeal are based on the violation of the FIRS statutes by the Central Committee who after accepting the appeal of Catalonia, did not allow any of the Catalan representatives to be heard during the following day Congress.
The appeal elaborated by Dupont will also make clear - and will present testimonial proof of the political pressures against some members of the FIRS that allegedly influenced the voting.
Hopefully the Court of Arbitration for Sport (TAS) will act sensibly different than the FIRS Committee and will take all the opinions into consideration.
Out of 186 judges members of the TAS, three will be picked up to take the case. In addition, both the FIRS and the Catalan Federation will be asked to present evidence.
The TAS will resolve before the next World Cup in San Jose and it is expected that its decision will be that of invalidate what happened in Fresno. Consequently the scenario would be the same as it was just after the resolution of Miami, in which Catalonia was provisionally accepted as a new member of the FIRS.
If that happens, Catalonia should be allowed to participate in the A World Cup and then the possible decision of Spain would be to withdraw from the World Cup and to boycott the participation of Catalonia (as they did in the inline World Cup).
Again, let's wait and see!!
Monday, December 06, 2004
Mexican member presents resignation after the events in Fresno
Minu Cortes, the Mexican member of the FIRS, resigned, just after the events of Fresno, from all her responsibilities as vice-president for North America of the Pan-American Confederation of Roller Sports and member of the Sub-Committee CIRH Women Roller Hockey.
Cortes also resigned from all her tasks as director of roller sports in Mexico.
Minu Cortes was one of the FIRS members who unsuccessfully requested in two occasions that the admission of Catalonia was voted secretly.
Cortes also resigned from all her tasks as director of roller sports in Mexico.
Minu Cortes was one of the FIRS members who unsuccessfully requested in two occasions that the admission of Catalonia was voted secretly.
Sunday, December 05, 2004
Macau will take Catalonia's place in the World Cup
The decisions taken in Fresno not only made the Spaniards happy. In Macau, they took the news with great joy since that meant that they will be allowed to place the World Cup in San Jose instead of Catalonia.
This is an extract of Macau's online newspaper's article Ponto Final:
Macau's hockey national team will finally see its dream come true. The no ratification of Catalonia as full member of the FIRS will allow Macau to take part in the World Cup.
However, the Catalans are not satisfied and they have already announced that they will appeal to the court.
Although only finishing fourth in the B World Cup of Macau, the team trained by Carlos Lisbon has benefited from the 'expulsion' of Catalonia. According to statutes of the FIRS, in case that some country (or region) retires or is disqualified, the remaining teams will move up a place in the tournament table.Thus, England, will become the winner of the 2004 B World Cup, Andorra will be the runners-up and Macau will get the third place.
The president of the Catalan Federation Ramon Basiana, publicly declared that he agrees with the decision of the government of Catalonia to remove the subsidies granted to the FIRS. "We will cancel the project of organising the 2009 first World-wide Games of Roller Sports., which were going to take place in the city of Barcelona."
On the other hand, Antonio Aguiar, vice-president of the Asian Confederation of Roller Hoquei, signed, last Saturday, a protocol with the Spanish government for the development of roller sports in Asia. In declaration to the newspaper Today Macau, Antonio Aguiar, advanced that the agreement contemplates monetary aids, training programs and the exchange of technicians. Objective: to prepare the participation in the next world championship.
Excellent job Spain!
Source:
http://www.pontofinalmacau.com/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=6054&mode=thread&order=0&thold=0
This is an extract of Macau's online newspaper's article Ponto Final:
Macau's hockey national team will finally see its dream come true. The no ratification of Catalonia as full member of the FIRS will allow Macau to take part in the World Cup.
However, the Catalans are not satisfied and they have already announced that they will appeal to the court.
Although only finishing fourth in the B World Cup of Macau, the team trained by Carlos Lisbon has benefited from the 'expulsion' of Catalonia. According to statutes of the FIRS, in case that some country (or region) retires or is disqualified, the remaining teams will move up a place in the tournament table.Thus, England, will become the winner of the 2004 B World Cup, Andorra will be the runners-up and Macau will get the third place.
The president of the Catalan Federation Ramon Basiana, publicly declared that he agrees with the decision of the government of Catalonia to remove the subsidies granted to the FIRS. "We will cancel the project of organising the 2009 first World-wide Games of Roller Sports., which were going to take place in the city of Barcelona."
On the other hand, Antonio Aguiar, vice-president of the Asian Confederation of Roller Hoquei, signed, last Saturday, a protocol with the Spanish government for the development of roller sports in Asia. In declaration to the newspaper Today Macau, Antonio Aguiar, advanced that the agreement contemplates monetary aids, training programs and the exchange of technicians. Objective: to prepare the participation in the next world championship.
Excellent job Spain!
Source:
http://www.pontofinalmacau.com/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=6054&mode=thread&order=0&thold=0
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