Practice sessions underway for the World Cup opening ceremony in August, unfolding on the hockey field
Mönchengladbach, Germany, is set to host an unforgettable opening ceremony for the EuroHockey Championships 2025, marking the start of an exciting sports event that brings together nations and fosters cross-border collaboration.
At the heart of this collaboration is the "Hockey4All" project, a unique initiative that combines hockey with dance, creating a spectacle that will see 200 dancers from both Germany and the Netherlands perform on the hockey field. The project, which is part of the Interreg program Germany-Netherlands and co-financed by the European Union (EU), represents a significant step in cross-border cultural and sporting integration.
Eva Berten, the choreographer of the ceremony, has expressed her admiration for the large participation and cohesion of the group, finding the challenge of choreographing 200 dancers in four directions to be unique. The dancers, who come from various locations including Roermond, Venlo, and Krefeld, have shown a remarkable willingness to travel long distances to be part of this project.
The performance, scheduled to take place on August 8 at a soft artificial turf pitch under floodlights in Mönchengladbach, is designed to celebrate the blend of sport and culture. It aims to showcase both hockey and the arts as vehicles for regional identity and unity. The event will also promote grassroots engagement, with many local residents participating in the performance.
Soraya Groznik from Roermond has highlighted the potential of the Hockey4All project to expand experiences of German-Dutch cooperations. The project is indeed a central pillar of the EuroHockey Championships 2025, alongside a cross-border school hockey tournament and the exchange of sports administrations.
The opening ceremony rehearsals are currently ongoing, with the first rehearsals having begun in early July at SparkassenPark. A notable aspect of the performance is the inclusion of people with and without disabilities, reflecting the project's emphasis on accessibility and community participation.
This high-profile event is expected to draw an international audience, further showcasing Mönchengladbach and its neighbouring cities as vibrant, collaborative, and culturally rich hosts for international sports events. The EuroHockey Championships 2025 promises to be more than just a sports event; it's a celebration of unity, collaboration, and the power of art and sport to bring people together.
What unique spectacle will the Hockey4All project bring to the EuroHockey Championships 2025 in Mönchengladbach, Germany? Hockey and dance will combine, with 200 dancers from both Germany and the Netherlands performing on the hockey field, showcasing the blend of sport and culture.
