General Press Release - October 2000 Inline Hockey Associates are pleased to announce the award of a grant from Sport England through the Millennium Commission 'Awards For All' Scheme. The grant will allow 12 Local Authorities to register on the IHA Skills Award Scheme and for a further 32 leisure to receive the Scheme start up pack. In all 880 children between the ages of 6 and 18 will benefit from the Award. The Scheme, which allows sports development groups from government bodies to take children off the streets and provide them with a safe environment in which to learn to skate and play roller hockey, has 10 levels and more than 500 children have already passed through the earlier levels of the Scheme. It is unique on a global basis and is run in conjunction with the National Governing Body, GB Hockey Inline. The Scheme recently received a recommendation from the Inline Development and Education Committee of the International Ice Hockey Federation, as an ideal resource to aid the development of the sport. Phil Worthington from IHA commented, "I am very pleased that Sport England have recognised the benefit that the Skills Award Scheme brings to young people. Not only does it teach children the basics of the sport but it also teaches them discipline and self-esteem and a sense of achievement as they receive their badges and certificates as they complete each level. As the Scheme is unique world-wide, I am looking to introduce it into other Countries and the recommendation from a World Governing Body (IIHF) and now the recognition by Sport England through the Award, should allow its introduction to be more easier as international governing bodies see the benefits the Scheme can bring to their young citizens". Further information about the Skills Award Scheme can be found at http://www.ihsas.com and Phil can be contacted by email at phil@ihsas.com or phil@gbinline.com Back