The international Powerchair Hockey tournament was held in Pilsen for the first time – PHOTOS

Accurate shots, fast carts and international power measurement, that was the Pilsen Powerchair Open 2024, which took place in Pilsen last weekend.

The Czech Republic has already hosted an international tournament in Powerchair Hockey (floorball on electric wheelchairs) many times, but it was the first time outside of Prague. Pilsen Lokomotiva hosted the Pilsen Powerchair Open 2024 tournament from Friday, March 29 to Monday, April 1.

In addition to the Czech teams (Jaguars, New Cavaliers and Indians), three Italian teams also participated in the tournament: ASD Wolves Bareggio and Macron Warriors Sabbioneta and Treviso Bulls. There were also rivals from Germany – Nording Bulls; Switzerland – Zeka Rollers A and B; or Belgium, when the land of pralines sent the APHC team to the west of Bohemia.

In the final the Belgian team APHC and the Italian team Macron Warriors Sabbioneta competed for the first place. The Italian team defeated Belgium 8:3 and thus became the winner of the entire tournament.

You can find the results HERE.

Powerchair Hockey has a long tradition especially in Western Europe. In the Netherlands and Belgium, schools for students with mobility restrictions began to include this sport in the physical education curriculum in the 1970s.

It is the only collective sport for people with the greatest physical limitations. It is played by both men and women. Two types of game equipment can be seen on the court, namely the classic floorball stick, but also the so-called “Téčko”. It is a plastic stick in the shape of the letter T, which is attached under the footboard of the electric wheelchair (for players whose movement limitations do not allow them to hold the stick in their hands). The task of the “pointers” is to create space for attack, but also to defend the opponent. The goalkeeper also uses “that” hockey stick.

The tournament in Pilsen was captured by photographer Hynek Sladký for QAP readers. Check out the photo gallery!