Talent is everywhere. Yet not everyone grows up with the same opportunities to develop it. Some face poverty, challenging circumstances at home, a disability, others face other situations beyond their control. But gamechangers refuse to be defined by those challenges. Instead, they draw strength from it and use it to make a difference.

During the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026, Grant Thornton and Hockey Belgium are joining forces before, during, and after the tournament. Together with a number of inspiring gamechangers, we’re breaking the silence and making a powerful statement for equal opportunities. Make noise for the gamechangers! 

Aftermovie Hockey World Cup - Grant Thornton Gamechangers

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How we made noise for the gamechangers throughout the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026

As the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 came to an end last week, we're looking back with pride on an incredible few weeks as an event partner. Over the course of the tournament, we:

🏑 Encouraged thousands of fans to applaud and support the teams with our campaign clappers
🏑 Gave 144 children the unforgettable opportunity to walk onto the pitch alongside their heroes through 4 Kids Line Ups
🏑 Welcomed countless fans to our activation booth, where they played our game and discovered how they could change the game themselves
🏑 Gave away 11 duo tickets for the semi-finals and finals, as well as a signed national team jersey
🏑 Welcomed 84 guests across 7 Legends Lounges, where they enjoyed an exclusive hospitality experience in a premium setting
🏑 Brought together 40 talented candidates and colleagues at our recruitment event

But beyond the numbers, we are most proud of the message we shared.

Together with the Red Lions and Red Panthers, we made noise for the gamechangers. Through our campaign, we raised awareness for equal opportunities and celebrated the belief that talent can be found everywhere, regardless of someone's background or starting point.

Meeting a new generation of gamechangers

Together with Red Lion Victor Wegnez, we returned to the place where it all began for him. On a square in Molenbeek, Victor played hockey with a new generation of gamechangers and listened to their stories. Who knows, they might follow in his footsteps in a few years’ time. Watch the video featuring Victor and these rising hockey talents.

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“Growing up with fewer opportunities can make the start harder, but it should never determine how far you can go.”

- Victor Wegnez, Red Lion

European champion, world champion, Olympic champion - Victor Wegnez has reached the very top of international hockey. Yet his journey was far from straightforward. Having grown up in difficult circumstances, he knows firsthand how unequal opportunities can shape a person's path.

Victor speaks openly about the challenging circumstances he grew up in and advocates for a society where every talent - regardless of background or circumstances - is given a fair chance to thrive.

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The gamechangers at Grant Thornton

Gamechangers aren’t only found on the hockey field. Some of the most inspiring examples of resilience can also be found in the business world. Grant Thornton’s Emiel Kindt and Cindy Vermeiren are two of them.

"Sometimes, the toughest decisions lead you exactly where you're meant to be."

“You can’t always choose where you start, but you can choose where you go.”

    Make noise for Victor and the national hockey teams!

    The FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 may be over, but the impact of the tournament lives on. Together with Victor Wegnez and the Belgian national teams, we celebrated outstanding performances, unforgettable moments and the values that unite the hockey community.

    As a proud partner of Hockey Belgium, Grant Thornton was honoured to support the teams throughout their World Cup journey. Through Gamechangers, we remain committed to promoting inclusion, equal opportunities and positive role models who inspire the next generation, both on and off the pitch.

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    More than one campaign

    Make noise for the gamechangers is part of the broader partnership between Grant Thornton and Hockey Belgium, built around diversity, inclusion and equal opportunities. Curious to learn more about our other initiatives? Discover more about our value driven sponsorship with Hockey Belgium.

    Women in Hockey/Business: Manou Van der Brempt & Valérie Rivière

    Video

    With our Women in Hockey / Business series, we aim to share the stories of inspiring female senior leaders from both the hockey world and the business community. In collaboration with our partner Hockey Belgium, we are committed to promoting greater diversity and inclusion. This series is designed to inspire women, build their confidence, and break down stereotypes. Through these stories, we want to highlight the barriers women face and encourage everyone to take meaningful steps toward change, together.

    08 Mar 2026

    Grant Thornton Inclusion Award

    Grant Thornton Inclusion Award

    Hockey is more than a sport. It is a community, a place where people come together, grow, and strengthen each other. But not everyone naturally finds their way to the field. That is why Grant Thornton and the Belgian Hockey Federation have created the Grant Thornton Inclusion Award.

    Marleen Van den Broeck
    | 01 Sep 2025

    Call me by my name. Not my gender.

    GENDER EQUITY STATEMENT

    'Call me by my name. Not my gender.' is a bold campaign for gender equity, launched during the Red Panthers' match on 28 June, spotlighting individuality over labels. Discover how Grant Thornton and Hockey Belgium teamed up to challenge gender stereotypes in sports.

    28 Jun 2025