3 September 2020, Dublin, Ireland –
As announced by World Lacrosse, we have voluntarily vacated our Men’s Senior National team’s position in The World Games 2022. In light of the confirmation recently provided by the International World Games Association (IWGA) that the Iroquois Nationals are eligible for selection to compete in TWG 2022, we have vacated our position in the eight-team tournament to ensure that there are no barriers to the Iroquois Nationals entry to the tournament.
World Lacrosse is utilizing the final placement of eligible teams from the 2018 Federation of International Lacrosse (FIL) World Championship to determine the field of men’s teams for TWG 2022 — which is subject to final approval by the IWGA. Ireland finished 12th in the 2018 World Championship, while the Iroquois Nationals finished third, but the Nationals were not eligible due to IWGA sovereignty rules. Scotland and England compete together (alongside Wales) under the Team GB moniker, and Puerto Rico and Philippines are not eligible as associate members of World Lacrosse.
We are doing so to ensure a pathway for the Iroquois National Team to compete in every format and iteration of international competition, regardless of governing body.
We look forward to the next steps, and announcements by the International World Games Association and World Lacrosse.
For media inquiries, please contact Communications Director Catherine Conway – cconway@irelandlacrosse.ie
13 Comments
Roger Greig
08/09/2020
Good on ya!
Aaron Minner
08/09/2020
The Seneca Nation is one of the six nations of the Iroquois Confederacy. Locally, we say Nyah-weh! It means “Thank you.”
JPS
08/09/2020
You gentlemen rock.
T
10/09/2020
I’m not Iroquois but I am an Indigenous Canadian and I am just blown away by this decision. Thank you so much. I don’t play sports but I’m gonna be an Iroquois and Ireland fan for life.
Willam Bragas
01/10/2020
I am Apache, I do not know lacrosse but I will know the medicine game now. I spent most of my time as an American soldier, I love competition and a level playing field if I can get it. My Mother taught me to be a champion for those who cannot as a matter of circumstance. I will know the Iroquois Nationals and I will know Ireland Lacrosse. Thank you Ireland Lacrosse you have my heart. My mother and I will be there at the 2022 world games.
LP
01/10/2020
Class Act!
Renee Schaffer
01/10/2020
I heard this report on NPR this morning as I was driving to work; I know nothing about Lacrosse but the interview with one of the players on the Iroquois Nationals Team grabbed my interest. I could not believe the selflessness and generosity of spirit shown by Ireland.Lacrosse. It brought me to tears and gave me such a positive start to my day! Thank you Ireland Lacrosse for being such a bright beacon of light in our troubled world.
JC
02/10/2020
Righteous! Bold! Generous! Humanity lives for at least another day. Well played, gentlemen.
Joey Torres
03/10/2020
This is one of the most awe inspiring stories I have read in all of this drudgery year of 2020.
Not that Ireland needs me as a fan of the people. I always have been. Now it’s a new found respect I have for all of you. England, Scotland and also Wales. If only we could all do the right thing once in awhile. Way to lead us on!
Name
03/10/2020
I’m very touched by your generous act. Your acknowledgment of lacrosse as the Medicine Game gives me hope that its values may live widely in the world. I’m a neighbor of the Haudenosaunee.as well as a lacrosse fan.
Joan Cope Savage
03/10/2020
I’m very touched by your generous act. Your acknowledgment of lacrosse as the Medicine Game gives me hope that its values may live widely in the world. I’m a neighbor of the Haudenosaunee.as well as a lacrosse fan.
Neil Lobron
04/10/2020
https://www.npr.org/2020/10/01/917033527/ireland-lacrosse-bows-out-of-2022-world-games-so-iroquois-nationals-can-play Thank you. Class act.
MaryJ
11/10/2020
As someone with both Irish and Native American blood in my veins, I am so proud of this generous act. It is just a wonderful selfless gesture and very fitting that the Iroquois team will be able to play in the championship of the game they gave the world!