Ireland gave up their spot at the World Games so the Iroquois Nationals lacrosse team could compete

When World Lacrosse released their 8-team list of teams that would compete at the World Games in 2022, there was considerable and well-deserved outrage at the fact that the Iroquois Nationals were snubbed. World Lacrosse subsequently announced that the decision was made because the organization did not recognize the Iroquois Nationals as their own nation.

Lacrosse is a growing sport, and is being considered for inclusion in upcoming for Olympic games. With this in mind, the upcoming World Games could also be considered potential Olympic qualifiers.

While we mentioned that lacrosse is a growing sport, the three most competitive international teams right now are Canada, the USA, and the Iroquois Nationals.

To exclude one of the best teams on the planet is a major snub in the first place. To exclude the people who created the sport in the first place? Almost unthinkable.

Team Ireland recognized how unfair the decision was, and made the powerful decision to withdraw from the tournament in order for the Iroquois Nationals to compete.

The Iroquois Nationals responded with sincere gratitude to the powerful gesture.

Thanks to the amazing display of sportsmanship, World Lacrosse has now officially included the Iroquois Nationals in the tournament.

Though the Iroquois Nationals should have been included from the get go, what Team Ireland has made an excellent example of themselves for doing the right thing. There shouldn’t be lacrosse tournaments without Indigenous representation and gratitude to them, and it’ll be a thrill to see them compete.