COLORADO SPRINGS, Colorado, USA — World Lacrosse and Ireland Lacrosse today announced an important development regarding the men’s lacrosse competition at The World Games 2022 in Birmingham, Alabama, USA.
In light of the confirmation recently provided by the International World Games Association that the Iroquois Nationals are eligible for selection to compete in TWG 2022, Ireland Lacrosse has made the decision to voluntarily vacate its position in the eight-team men’s tournament. In so doing, Ireland Lacrosse is playing a critical role in making it possible for the Iroquois Nationals to compete, and upholding the highest ideals of international sport.
Faithkeeper and lacrosse legend Oren Lyons of the Iroquois Nationals and Michael Kennedy of Ireland Lacrosse at the 2014 World Lacrosse Men’s Championship in Denver, Colorado, USA.
The decision was shared with World Lacrosse by Ireland Lacrosse CEO Michael Kennedy. Kennedy surveyed Ireland Lacrosse’s board of directors, coaches, athletes and other leaders from across the National Federation and found overwhelming support to help create an opportunity for the Iroquois Nationals to compete in The World Games 2022.
“It’s simply the right thing to do,” said Kennedy. “We are a proud member of World Lacrosse and we recognize the importance of The World Games to the continued growth of our sport. As much as our players would have been honored to compete, we know the right thing is for the Iroquois Nationals to represent our sport on this international stage.”
World Lacrosse utilized the final placement of eligible teams from the 2018 World Championship to determine the field of men’s teams for TWG 2022. Ireland finished 12th, while the Iroquois Nationals finished third.
“Once World Lacrosse received the welcome news from the IWGA that the Iroquois Nationals are eligible for selection, we knew it was time to play our part and voluntarily step aside,” added Kennedy.
“It is through the contributions of leaders such as Michael Kennedy, along with the athletes, coaches, officials and volunteers of Ireland Lacrosse, that this wonderful game will continue to grow,” said World Lacrosse CEO Jim Scherr. “Some of the most inspiring gestures in international sport are when athletes from one team reach across and lend their support to athletes from another. That’s exactly what Michael and the membership of Ireland Lacrosse have done, and we should all be inspired by their example.”
As a next step, World Lacrosse is submitting the eight men’s teams for approval by the IWGA, including the Iroquois Nationals.
