Grant Thornton Belgium’s Post

Come & Join us ⬇️ #Miami & Beyond PS: May include the odd reference to #LionelMessi

In the world of hockey, triumph isn't just measured by goals scored or matches won; it's also found in the stories of individuals who defy expectations and overcome challenges with sheer determination and passion for the sport. Today, on International Down Syndrome Day, we celebrate two remarkable individuals whose journeys through Hockey with Intellectual Disabilities, also known as Hockey ID, exemplify the power of inclusion, resilience, and teamwork. Read the full story below 👇

Last month, the best players in the world gathered to celebrate hockey at the NHL All-Star Weekend — and that included women, too. The league showcased players from the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL), who showed off why they deserve the spotlight, too. The PHWL is the fastest-growing women’s ice hockey league in North America, and with good reason. It’s attracting top talent and giving some of the best women hockey players in the world a much-needed platform. At Upper Deck, we’re a big believer in women’s sports. We want to champion these world-class athletes at every opportunity, and the PHWL is no exception. That’s why we’re thrilled to announce that we will be the exclusive licensed producer of physical and digital trading cards for the PHWL. To celebrate the license and International Women’s Day, we released a fully accessible, free digital trading card set for fans to kick-start their collection, on e-Pack®. This league is just getting started, and we believe it’s going to take hold as more and more people realize just how much talent there is in women’s hockey. If you don’t know names like Savannah Harmon, Kendall Coyne Schofield, or Marie-Philip Poulin yet, then get ready. They’re going to blow you away, and we’re excited to highlight their capabilities in our collectibles. #hockey #pwhl #sportsbusiness #iwd2024

𝐂𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐍𝐇𝐋: 𝐂𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐝𝐚'𝐬 𝐔𝐧𝐰𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐏𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐇𝐨𝐜𝐤𝐞𝐲 Hockey isn't just a sport in Canada; it's a way of life. As the NHL trends across the nation, it highlights the deep-rooted passion Canadians have for this exhilarating game. In this post, we will explore the excitement surrounding the NHL season and its impact on Canadian culture. Unforgettable Moments: This season has been packed with thrilling games, unforgettable plays, and nail-biting finishes. Each game adds a new chapter to the rich history of hockey in Canada. Rising Stars: We are witnessing the rise of new talent, with young players showcasing their skills and making a mark on the league. The future of hockey looks brighter than ever. Community Impact: Beyond the ice, the NHL and its teams are making significant contributions to communities through various outreach programs and charitable initiatives. Cultural Significance: Hockey brings together people from all walks of life, fostering a sense of unity and national pride. It's a sport that transcends generations, creating lasting memories and lifelong fans. 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧: The NHL's popularity surge in Canada is more than just a trend; it's a reflection of our collective love for the game. From unforgettable moments and rising stars to community impact and cultural significance, hockey is embedded in the fabric of our society. Whether you are a lifelong fan or new to the sport, there's no better time to engage with the NHL and be part of this exhilarating journey. Let's continue to support our teams, celebrate their achievements, and keep the spirit of hockey alive in Canada. #NHL #HockeyCanada #PassionForHockey #Community #RisingStars #SportsCulture

France’s recipe for how it became a basketball breeding ground provides lessons in creating resilient teams that can produce results generation after generation—applicable on and off court #leadership #knowledgeexchange #genderequality #storytelling #globalsports #sportsdiplomacy Here’s me for Sports Business Journal on how lessons found in #BasketballEmpire translate into other domains. https://lnkd.in/e6JCEfmj

#PWHL #WomensHockey #HockeyTalk #GameChangers Hey hockey fans! 🏒 Have you been following the PWHL? If not, you’re really missing out on something special! Let’s dive into how the PWHL's unique business model is truly reshaping women’s hockey. Here’s what’s happening: Innovative Partnerships: The PWHL is teaming up with various brands, sponsors, and media outlets to create a sustainable ecosystem for women’s hockey. 🌟 Increased Investment: With fresh funding, we're seeing better facilities, higher player salaries, and improved promotion of women’s games. 💰 Focus on Development: The league is prioritizing player development and grassroots initiatives, making sure young girls have a pathway to success in hockey. 🏆 Community Engagement: They’re not just creating a league; they’re building a community by engaging with fans and hosting events that bring everyone together. 🤝 I think it’s exciting to see how these changes are benefiting players and fans alike. The PWHL is not just about ho... How Is PWHL's Business Model Revolutionizing Women's Hockey? Answers: https://lnkd.in/ggghiirG

Have a read of the AUSPORT / ASC Modern Coach Approach!!! Spread this far and wide. Its about participation, enjoyment and retention. Its about winning well not winning at all costs. The only way to generate this change is to share and spread the word. #coaching #moderncoachapproach #ASC

Tribes: An International Hockey History examines the concept that 19th-century European militarists had channeled their spirit and energy into sports in hopes of creating a training ground for warriors. This new concept and logic fed upon the ideas of racial purity and warrior cults. The book looks at the game of ice hockey's European origins while adding additional information to the story of Canadian ice hockey including new information about the Colored Hockey League and the history of black Canadian and American ice hockey putting the Black ice hockey experience into a larger relation with international hockey of its time. In addition, Tribes dives into1890s ideology when athletes first began to compete under the banners of nations. Following World War I, and as a result of the worldwide growth and popularity of the Olympics, the game of ice hockey took on a more complex form as teams representing countries as cultural differences, political ideologies, and blind nationalism supplanted sportsmanship. Pride and emotion replaced reason. From North America to Nazi Germany, and on to the gates of Moscow, what were designed to be hockey games of goodwill became battles. The Great War was over; the longest undeclared war of nations was about to begin. Topics Include * Origins of European, Canadian & American Hockey * Nationalism and hockey's impact on the battlefields of World War One. * Colored Hockey League of the Maritimes and the spread of Black ice hockey in Canada and the United States * The Death of Newfoundland hockey * The Rise of Soviet hockey and Cold War on Ice between the USSR, Canada, and United States. * French-English Canadian Cultural Rivalry. * Rise of Professional Hockey * 1972 Canada-Russia Hockey Summit * 1980 Miracle on Ice ... plus more. #hockey, #nhl, #sport, #militarism, #nationalism,

🌟 The Renéessance: How Renée Slegers Transformed Arsenal Women 🚨 As we head into the international break, there’s still uncertainty about what’s next for Arsenal Women. Will Renée Slegers be offered the role permanently? 🤔 While we wait for clarity, it feels like the perfect moment to reflect on her remarkable impact—otherwise known as the Renéessance. Here are three standout takeaways from her incredible tenure: 1️⃣ Key Player Roles & Squad Management: Strategic adjustments that unlocked the team’s potential. 2️⃣ The Numbers Don’t Lie: Impressive stats that underline her effectiveness. 3️⃣ Confidence is Key: A mindset shift that’s evident in every performance. Whether or not her tenure continues, Renée’s leadership has set a high bar for what’s possible. If you missed it, check out the full article here for a deep dive! https://lnkd.in/eJ_ETnGR Don't forget to subscribe for free on Substack!

The AFL - Australian Football League shared this plan yesterday (See screenshot). --------------------------------- I believe it is a really good START. --------------------------------- A line in the sand moment if you will, that ought to serve as a statement of intent of the leagues ongoing commitment. The reason why I think this STEP is significant is on the basis of this study as reported on by SBS in 2018 - see link. https://lnkd.in/g-GRde8n I encourage anyone with the time to have a read, but long story short, the study set about: "Examining reports of domestic abuse in Lancashire (a county of approximately 1.5m people in Northern England), across the 2002, 2006 and 2010 World Cup tournaments, we discovered a 26% increase in reports of domestic abuse when England won or drew, and a 38% increase when England lost. Reports were also more frequent on weekends, and reached their peak when England exited the tournament." (Francis, Kirby 2018). Now these findings cannot simply be a copy and paste for local application, as in England there is (near-on) unanimous support for their national soccer team. Whereas the AFL is made up of supporter bases whom are spread across 18 teams, so reporting here would not produce such an obvious spike. However it is not ridiculous to theorise that the same trends may be identifiable. Which is why I view this message being unambiguously delivered before the start of each and every match as a tremendous opportunity to ensure a captive audience of those who want to watch their team play. That message... Enough is enough! To reiterate: ---------------------------------- I believe it is a really good START. ---------------------------------- Image description: AFL club captains photographed alongside caption which reads the following: The AFL industry will come together as a collective voice across this weekend’s round of matches to stand against the national crisis of gender-based violence in Australia. Across all nine Toyota AFL Premiership matches this weekend, our clubs, players, coaches, umpires and administration will come together to pay tribute to the women who have lost their lives to gender-based violence. Ahead of the start of each match, players, senior coaches and umpires will come together in the centre of the ground to form a linked circle and pay a silent tribute to those women who have lost their lives.