Bosnia-Herzegovina
September 2009
Floorball has made an impact beyond coaches and managers in Bosnia. This is mainly on account of the two coach training programmes which have been conducted there. Dina, the country coordinator in Bosnia-Herzegovina, has organized several national tournaments. Good progress has been made mainly due to the efforts of committed coaches despite the difficulties faced due to lack of gymnasiums. Unfortunately, trained instructors have fallen out of the programme because of personal reasons at some places.
Currently, several training sessions are going on and several teams have come up in Tuzla, Sarajevo, Fojnica, Jajce and Banja Luka. Jasko, besides Dina, works as a committed coach in Fojnica and is another bright hope. The question before us is, how can we further strengthen floorball in Bosnia?
December 2008
Floorball continues even in this country still recovering from war. November saw the hosting of third tournament this year. This time, the tournament was held in Bugojno. The Team from Banja Luka won for the first time. Presently, over thirty children are training there. Generally, the effects of our training for coaches which started in January 2008 in Bugojno have been very enjoyable. We've had very good feedback from participants and queries for more courses. Training for over 25 players started in Kiseljak this autumn. The participants are mainly the ethnic groups of Sinti and Roma. The in-charge is quite thrilled.
September 2008
After long dilly-dallying and a lot of delays, the cantonal migration authority did not authorize Nedret's and his family's entry. So, we cannot train Nedret as planned in Switzerland as youth worker and Floorball coach. This is a great setback for Floorball in Bosnia. We regret it a lot and do not understand the fact that why our authorities do not offer to give efficient and sustainable help.
Spring 2008
We conducted training for coaches in two stages with four coaches from 3 - 9 February 2008. The group of trainers included Simi Steiner, (ex Zuger-Highlands), Christoph Kneer (UHC Thun), David and Nathanael Kaufmann (UHC Uster). About 20 hours before we left, we received a telephone call to inform us that we will not get the sports school in Palé despite the promise. The Bosnians therefore had to arrange for another hall and lodging, replacements for theory rooms and eating facilities. Something completely unthinkable for us in Switzerland, but was accomplished in Bosnia. We were in Bugojno, around 150 km from the original location. We had a large hall, though unheated. The players and coaches played with several layers of clothes and a cap. But even this was quite alright. We had an intensive course even as we sensed a little of the strong emotions of the different ethic groups in this war-ravaged country.
Winter 2007
Regular training starts in Banja Luka. A week-long coach training takes place in the Sports University Pale campus with 10 participants. The team from Switzerland comprises of David Kaufmann (NLA Player UHC Uster), Lukas Roth ( Coach UHCevi Gossau) and the manager of UfS, Hansjörg Kaufmann. The handing over of the Bosnian Floorball initiative to Bosnian hands is done by Michael Schweyer.
March 2007
Regular trainings in 9 cities with around 150 children/ teenagers
Winter 2006
The Bosnian youth organization “Mladi Otkrivaci Zivota” organises a training leadership course in Travnik under the leadership of Michael Schweyer. After this, the newly trained coaches begin with regular trainings in the cities of Fojnica, Sanski Most and Jajce.
Spring 2006
The first Floorball tournament in Bosnia takes place in Travnik. Six school teams fight for the win. Television airs a country-wide report on this tournament. The Mayor of Travnik is the chief guest.
Regular training begins in Sarajevo. People at Srebrenik, Tuzla, Mostar and Banja Luka show an interest at the start of a training session. The UfS Club sends Floorball material for all training centers.
Autumn 2006
Training begins in Srebrenik and Tuzla and Ilidza. Meanwhile a fourth all-Bosnia tournament takes place in Travnik with 11 teams.
Summer 2006
A second tournament takes place. Nine teams participate. The local television reports this occasion. A Conference of Directors of all the Bosnian universities takes place. We get a chance to introduce the sport and show training possibilities with two teams. The spectators are convinced that this sport will be valuable for the future of sports in the Bosnian schools.
Sept. 2005
Inspired and supported by the Floorball Club for Street Children (UfS), Michael Schweyer, a former Swiss primary teacher begins with regular Floorball training sessions in the primary school in Travnik. School management, parents and children are excited about this new sport for Bosnia.
Facts
Geography
Area: 51'129 sq km.
Economy
Before the war the country was second poorest in europe. Workless rate 60%.
Religion
Muslims 60%, Christians 35%, others 5%