As part of its Sustainability Agenda, the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) is committed to making ice hockey more inclusive, accessible, and globally connected. Guided by its core values of integrity, respect, passion, and community, the IIHF continues to support initiatives that use ice hockey as a platform for education, integration, and international cooperation.
One of the flagship projects within the IIHF Sustainability Agenda is the Diversity and Inclusion Hubs initiative. In this context, the IIHF partnered with the Coubertin Meets Dunant Foundation to organize the United Hockey Camp, held in Langnau, Switzerland, from 17–23 May 2026.
The camp brought together approximately 40 young players from Switzerland, Germany, Ukraine, Iran, and Lebanon. Through a week of shared experiences, participants trained and lived alongside players from Swiss and German U20, U18, and U16 teams, including members of the SCL Young Tigers. The objective was not only to develop hockey skills but also to foster intercultural understanding, teamwork, and lasting friendships across borders.
The IIHF played a central role in the project, providing both financial and organizational support. Through its involvement, the Federation demonstrated its commitment to investing in the future of the game beyond elite competition and major tournaments. The United Hockey Camp reflects the IIHF’s belief that hockey can serve as a powerful tool for social integration and personal development.
Throughout the week, participants enjoyed a diverse program that combined hockey, education, and cultural exchange. Activities included on-ice sessions led by prominent coaches and former players such as Martin Gerber, Mathias Seger, and Thierry Paterlini, attendance at games during the 2026 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship, and visits to Zurich and the IIHF Headquarters.
A key moment of the week was a panel discussion moderated by Steffi Buchli, which highlighted the long-term vision for the initiative. The discussion focused on establishing a recurring camp model linked to future IIHF Ice Hockey World Championships, with each host country organizing the next edition and welcoming international participants. The aim is to create a sustainable cycle of exchange and inclusion through hockey.
The camp week also included company visits, community activities, and a charity game, bringing together participants, supporters, and leaders from across the hockey community.
The project received strong support from prominent figures in international and Swiss hockey. Guests at the charity dinner included IIHF President Luc Tardif, Swiss Ice Hockey President Urs Kessler, SCL Tigers President Peter Jakob, and hockey legends Mathias Seger and Martin Gerber.
On 22 May, Luc Tardif visited the United Hockey Camp, attended the exhibition game, and participated in the charity dinner. He later had the opportunity to present the winning trophy to the players, celebrating the success of a week defined by learning, friendship, and international exchange.