The recent 2014 IFBA World Broomball Championships in Tomakomai, Japan set a new standard for cultural experiences. The IFBA member association, Broomball Japan set out to make the 2014 tournament one of unforgettable experiences, succeeding with a wonderful collection of school visits and cultural workshops that were all filled to capacity. Writing, cooking, and other cultural themes were keenly taken up by individuals and teams.
Into the spirit
With such an important event the community of Tomakomai were 100% behind the host organisation as well as the tournament. Support for the event came from The Hokkaido Governor, Takahashi Harumi, The Mayor of Tomakomai, Iwakura Hirofumi, as well as key sponsors DHC, Kanamoto, Ishii Machine Leasing co, JTB, Hokushin Dokin Co, Conclete Product cooperative, Kubo-Hammer, D-Gel and Acacia. There were many, many other supporters and sponsors as well as many of the local businesses who proudly displayed the event stickers in their windows. Also key to the smooth operation and running of the event were the army of volunteers who met and greeted every day with warm smiles for all. (the program lists all supporters) The BBQ stand outside the main arena Hakucho was a big hit by all clearly demonstrated by the line that regularly could be found when they were open.
The opening ceremony as well as the closing ceremony were big highlights with local and significant national cultural artists performing to the large crowd. Judging by the large number of athletes that moved to the front to take photo’s, video and simply just to get a better look this was a big hit with all. I can personally vouch that the tiles broken during the Karate demonstration were hard baked and very solid.
MediaMedia support was daily in the papers covering all sorts of stories and angles. Even post the event they featured a story on the success of the school visits. 
On Ice representativesThere was one team that certainly had their work cut out for them. The Officials. Under the guidance and leadership of the IFBA referee in chief Mr.Doug Nixon the standard was of the highest caliber with all games running smoothly. The top officials were on show for the finals on the saturday. Job well done.Officials / Referees:Doug Nixon, IFBA Chief Official CanadaMurray Paterson: CanadaCraig Mc Daniel: USAAlan Jabs: AustraliaDenis Thibeault: CanadaMassimo Faggionato: ItalyErwin Steinbegger: ItalyShigeru Fukuda: JapanHajime Kawase: JapanKouji Kurokawa: JapanShigenori Sasayama: JapanHaruo Satou: JapanNoriko Shibata: JapanRok Globocnik: Slovenia2016Finally there was that big announcement. Where do we find ourselves in 2016. During the early part of the week at the Governors meeting two high quality presentations were held before the Governors and IFBA Board. One member association Broomball Canada supporting a team from Regina and the other team representing Minneapolis with support from USA Broomball . All through the week representatives from both areas were out and about spreading the word. On the Friday the Governors briefly met and cast their respective votes. As they say during that other significant world sporting event: “The winner is” REGINA