IHA rocked by Varian exit

THE IRISH Hockey Association (IHA) has been rocked by the resignation of chief executive, Paul Varian.

Varian has been offered the prestigious position of President & CEO at Sport BC in Vancouver, Canada.

Varian was appointed the IHA’s first chief executive in November 2004 and has spearheaded the implementation of the four-year Strategic Plan (2003-07) during his two and half years in office. He will finish in his present role at the end of August.

Said IHA chairman John Dennis: “Since his appointment Paul has been the driving force in the implementation of our Strategic Plan and has increased the profile of our sport both nationally and internationally.”

Admitted Varian: “With the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics approaching, it is a wonderful opportunity to join a vibrant, multi-sport organisation at an exciting time for British Columbian sport and one that I really couldn’t pass over.

“That said, I am sad to be leaving Irish hockey,” he continued. “The sport has accomplished much in recent years and the future is very bright for the IHA and the sport as a whole. I have no doubt that the IHA will instil strong, new leadership to drive progress forward towards the 2012 London Olympic Games.”

Sport BC is the Provincial Federation for all sport in the Province of British Columbia, Canada. The Society actively promotes the growth of sport amongst British Columbians by advocating for and providing service to over 80 sports organisations, including 64 Provincial Sports Organisations, encompassing some 800,000 British Columbians. The body will play an important role in maximising the legacy benefits of the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympic Games in British Columbia.